Hayden Birdsong’s demotion combined with Justin Verlander’s inconsistency highlight the team’s need for major-league rotation depth as the July 31 trade deadline looms. It’s an issue that has been brewing since the team sent Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Rafael Devers.

Instead, Birdsong hit his nadir. He faced six batters and recorded no outs. He threw 25 pitches but landed only six strikes. He surrendered one hit but allowed five runs due to four walks and a hit-by-pitch.

Giants starter Hayden Birdsong speaks to reporters after San Francisco’s 9-5 series-opening loss to the Atlanta Braves on Monday night at Truist Park.Hayden Birdsong dissects his inability to record o

With Hayden Birdsong's demotion, it’s clear the Giants have had enough of the rotation’s struggles and are moving in a different direction.

Rookie Drake Baldwin drove in six runs, Ronald Acuña Jr. scored three times and the Atlanta Braves beat San Francisco 9-5, handing the Giants their season-high sixth straight loss.

Hayden Birdsong may have given up three runs and taken the loss against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, but the San Francisco Giants rookie racked up 11 strikeouts in 4.1 innings.