Photo credit: @sfgiants_fanly

By Jeremy Harness

Two weeks ago, the Giants were sure-fire sellers at the trade deadline, as they were in no position co contend and general manager Farhan Zaidi already saying that he plans to rebuild sooner or later.

Now, it appears that the Giants could very well put those rebuilding plans on hold for now, as they have suddenly found themselves in the thick of the National League’s wild-card race following a 17-4 spurt to start the second half of the season.

Zaidi now has a decision to make, and the team’s weekend series against the San Diego Padres will be a very important one, a series that starts Friday night at Petco Park.

Despite the changed state of the team, the Giants could still make the trades that have been widely discussed for most of this season, notable starter Madison Bumgarner and closer Will Smith, and get the rebuilding process off the ground.

On the other hand, they could decide to capitalize on their suddenly-winning ways and add to the roster, and therefore, become buyers at the deadline, which is this Wednesday, if they truly believe that it can make a run in the postseason and make manager Bruce Bochy’s last season a memorable one.

But it appears the moment of truth starts Friday night, when Jeff Samardzija (7-8, 4.08 ERA) takes the hill for the Giants opposite San Diego’s Joey Lucchesi (7-5, 4.27 ERA).

Meanwhile, Bumgarner (5-7, 3.66 ERA) is scheduled to take the ball against Padres righty Chris Paddack (6-5, 2.84 ERA). He has given up nine hits combined in his last six outings, and he has appeared to have flipped the switch and reminded people of the form that saw him carry the Giants to the 2014 World Series crown.