SAN FRANCISCO — Robbie Ray delivered a strong performance Sunday as the San Francisco Giants edged the Atlanta Braves 3-2, showcasing why the left-handed pitcher is attracting trade interest ahead of the August 3 deadline. Ray, a former Cy Young Award winner, threw eight innings, allowing just one unearned run while helping the Giants secure their first winning homestand since late April.

Ray’s recent form has been impressive, as he has not allowed an earned run in his last 22 2/3 innings across three starts. His effectiveness has led to speculation that he may be a valuable trade asset. Giants manager Tony Vitello, however, downplayed the trade talks, suggesting the focus remains on building a team balance between pitchers and position players.

“I’m just trying to go out every day and give my team a chance to win,” Ray said, avoiding distractions from trade rumors. His repertoire has shifted noticeably, with increased reliance on his two-seam fastball to induce weak contact, while reducing his use of the four-seam fastball that he had previously depended on. In Sunday’s outing, Ray threw 36 sinkers compared to just seven four-seamers, a strategic adjustment credited with shorter at-bats and deeper pitching performances.

Despite striking out only two batters, Ray allowed a mere four hits, none until the fifth inning, in an efficient 95-pitch effort. His ERA has dropped to 3.39 after reaching a season-high 4.60 a month earlier, partly due to control issues that included a career-high seven walks on May 24.

On the opposing mound, Braves left-hander Chris Sale struck out 10 over six innings but was lifted after 94 pitches. The Giants broke through against Sale in the sixth inning after Luis Arraez led off with a single, followed by two Braves errors that allowed two unearned runs. The Giants padded their lead in the seventh with a sacrifice fly by Arraez, taking advantage of a rally sparked by pinch-hitter Drew Gilbert and Matt Chapman.

Heliot Ramos returned to the Giants’ lineup after missing 37 games due to a quad strain, recording a key hit in the sixth that helped set up the team's go-ahead run. With a crowded roster featuring multiple youngsters, including Casey Schmitt, Jung Hoo Lee, Bryce Eldridge, Rafael Devers, and Arraez, manager Vitello faces ongoing challenges in balancing playing time.

In relief, Caleb Kilian earned his sixth save in eight opportunities, recovering from a recent rough outing. The Giants will begin a road trip Monday with Tyler Mahle starting against the Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by a series in Colorado over the Fourth of July weekend. The team looks to build momentum as it approaches the All-Star break amid struggles in the National League West standings.