Giants manager Bob Melvin said Justin Verlander was dealing with a pectoral muscle issue that affected his command and velocity in his start against the A’s on Sunday, though the club is optimistic th

SAN FRANCISCO — Ace pitcher Logan Webb took the brunt of the punishment Wednesday as the Giants fell 8-4 to the Kansas City Royals to conclude a nine-game homestand.

The San Francisco Giants, winners of four of their last five games heading into Wednesday, suffered twin setbacks as they attempt to dethrone their longtime arch-rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the National League West.

Verlander (0-3) avoided another loss with help from Heliot Ramos, who drove in the first run in the first inning on a first-pitch home run off A’s starter Jeffrey Springs. Ramos also drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth on a groundball single to left against reliever Tyler Ferguson.

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin said that Justin Verlander was dealing with a little bit of a pectoral muscle issue during his start Sunday, but — like Verlander — he’s optimistic Verlander will make his next start.

Giants pitcher Justin Verlander said he has been dealing with physical limitations after San Francisco's 3-2 win over the Athletics on Sunday.

The Giants are off Thursday, so Verlander can get some extra treatment if he is to start Saturday in Washington, D.C. If he's not ready, there are options. Kyle Harrison is in the bullpen and Jordan Hicks is still stretched out to start if needed.