Messages sent, messages received

Giants 3, Rockies 2

Gabe Kapler didn't believe in getting ejected. He didn't think the team benefitted from losing its manager. Fair enough.

But sometimes breathing fire at the umpires is a good way to send a message not only to them—but to the dugout. To say, in so many (colorful) words, that the state of play right now isn't cutting it.

Farhan Zaidi took to 50,000 watts to send that message. Bob Melvin opted for the pregame lineup card exchange Sunday afternoon. He got ejected before the game even began.

Message sent. And for Hayden Birdsong, message received.

In only his fifth career start, the rookie struck out 12 and forced an eye-popping 27 swings and misses. There are all sorts of stats putting him in the company of Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, etc. We'll see.

For now, his job is to give the Giants a shot. To send a message that this roster is worth keeping together. We'll see if the front office gets it.

Up next: Giants-Dodgers in L.A. Blake Snell (0-3, 6.31 ERA) takes the mound, coming off his best start with the team and still in search for his first win. First pitch at 7:10 p.m.