The Bay Bridge Series used to mean something. Two proud franchises, separated by a steel span, trading barbs and blowouts. Now it's just two wounded animals limping into a three-game set that feels more like a mercy killing than a rivalry.

The Athletics arrive with a 3-game losing streak and a rotation that's essentially a MASH unit. Luis Severino (shoulder strain) won't be back until late July. Aaron Civale (shoulder tendinitis) is shelved. Gunnar Hoglund is done for the season after hip surgery. The result? A 5.99 team ERA and a starting staff that's been held together by duct tape and prayers. Jeffrey Springs got lit for six runs in five innings against the Dodgers on July 1. Manager Mark Kotsay is openly talking about a "worn down" bullpen.

Down the peninsula, it's the same story, different uniform. The Giants' pitching staff leads MLB in walks (2,856) and ranks fifth-worst in zone percentage (45.4%). Landen Roupp walked six batters in 2⅔ innings on July 1. Tyler Mahle recently returned from the injured list only to throw 85 pitches in a game despite an 85-pitch limit. Three pitchers are out for the season following Tommy John surgery. Matt Chapman exited July 1 with an abdominal strain.

Both teams are playing out the string in their respective divisions — the A's at 38-41, second in the AL West; the Giants at 32-46, fourth in the NL West. The A's are exiled to Sacramento, playing in front of crowds that barely crack five figures. The Giants are watching their season slip away amid poor command and recurring arm injuries.

This isn't a rivalry anymore. It's a support group. Two franchises with proud histories, reduced to playing out the calendar while their pitching staffs collect medical reports instead of quality starts. The Bay Bridge used to connect two cities. Now it just connects two teams in crisis.