The San Francisco Giants have turned things around in recent weeks, playing better baseball than they have for much of the year. While they’ve lost two straight, the past month or so has been a positive sign.

There are multiple reasons for that, but what Matt Chapman has done at the plate has gone under the radar. He’s never really been one to swing the bat at a high level, as he’s more known as a defensive first player. He’s had seasons where he’s posted 30 plus home runs and an OPS+ of 120-plus, but he hasn’t posted a 120 OPS+ year since 2020.

That looks like it could change for the San Francisco veteran, as he’s currently slashing .247/.335/.446 with a 123 OPS+, 19 home runs, 30 doubles, and 60 RBI.

Due to some of the struggles from the Giants at the beginning of the campaign, it feels like his showing has gone under the radar. Whether that’s fair or not is one thing, but it doesn’t seem like Chapman is getting the type of respect that he might deserve. 

For some, however, it isn’t going overlooked. Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com released MLB.com’s MVP poll. Chapman isn’t in the top five in the National League MVP voting, but the 31-year-old California native is receiving votes.

There are a few reasons why San Francisco’s former All-Star won’t win the award. Team success plays a big part in a player winning, and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is putting together another great showing. There are others listed that haven’t exactly found much success in terms of team play, but they’re statistically putting up better seasons than Chapman.

The problem for him is not only did the Giants struggle, but his stats don’t necessarily jump off the page. They’re impressive and deserve recognition, but to win the MVP award, he’d probably need to finish with 35-plus home runs and an OPS well above .850.

Crazier things have happened, but it’ll take a miracle for him to reach those numbers. There’s a little more than a month left in the regular season, so anything is possible. However, history would suggest that he isn’t going to finish with 30-plus home runs and an OPS above .850.

Still, he’s put together an impressive year, and that’s all San Francisco can ask for. He’s been well worth the one-year, $20 million contract and will be a big part of the Giants potentially making the postseason.

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco no longer has a Denny’s presence, after the dining chain’s remaining restaurant in the city closed its doors earlier this month. 

The longstanding diner, located on Mission Street near Union Square, poured its final cups of coffee and served its final orders of pancakes and “slam” menu items on August 1.

SEE ALSO: New In-N-Out being planned in this Bay Area city

The closure of the San Francisco franchise came after 25 years at the site, Denny’s officials told KTVU. 

The company said that it does not comment on the closure of its franchise locations. 

But franchise owner Chris Haque told SFGATE that crime, including dining and ditching, was a driving force behind the decision to end operations at the site. 

SEE ALSO: Police chief data shows violent crime drops in Oakland, San Francisco

“The cost of doing business is tremendous. There’s vandalism, and people come and eat and walk away, and there’s no one to stop them,” Haque said.

He was also critical of city leaders for not doing enough to make San Francisco a business-friendly environment. 

In addition, Haque explained that the decline in the number of conventions hosted in the city in recent years led to less foot traffic in the area and a drop in business. 

The shuttering followed another Denny’s closure earlier this year of the chain’s only Oakland location.

The restaurant was located along troubled Hegenberger Road, an area that has received a lot of attention for rampant criminal activity. 

The situation has led to other businesses, including In-N-Out Burger, to make the decision to cease operations along that corridor.

In response to its Oakland closure, Denny’s said, “Closing a restaurant location is never an easy decision or one taken lightly. However, the safety and well-being of Denny’s team members and valued guests is our top priority.”

Denny’s officials said there are still 40 locations open for business across the Bay Area.