Where to Watch
Probable Pitchers
Lineups
San Francisco Giants
| # | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luis Arraez | 2B |
| 2 | Heliot Ramos | LF |
| 3 | Bryce Eldridge | DH |
| 4 | Rafael Devers | 1B |
| 5 | Casey Schmitt | 3B |
| 6 | Jung Hoo Lee | RF |
| 7 | Willy Adames | SS |
| 8 | Drew Gilbert | CF |
| 9 | Daniel Susac | C |
Preview
The San Francisco Giants host the Los Angeles Angels at Oracle Park on Saturday, July 25, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET. Robbie Ray takes the hill for San Francisco against Angels right-hander Ryan Johnson in what shapes up as an interesting pitching matchup. With a loaded lineup that includes Rafael Devers, Luis Arraez, and Heliot Ramos, the Giants have the offensive firepower to make life difficult for any starter. This one airs on NBCS BA and KNBR 680 for the home crowd.
Pitching Matchup: Robbie Ray vs. Ryan Johnson
Ray gets the Saturday start for San Francisco, and his ability to generate strikeouts and work deep into games will be central to how this one unfolds. The left-hander has the kind of stuff that can suppress an Angels lineup when he is on, and Oracle Park's dimensions give him a forgiving backdrop if contact does come.
Johnson draws the assignment for Los Angeles. The right-hander will face a Giants lineup that is built to grind at-bats and do damage in the middle of the order. How Johnson handles the heart of that San Francisco batting order — Ramos, Eldridge, and Devers in spots two through four — will tell you plenty about whether the Angels can stay in this game.
San Francisco Giants Starting Lineup
- 1. Luis Arraez, 2B
- 2. Heliot Ramos, LF
- 3. Bryce Eldridge, DH
- 4. Rafael Devers, 1B
- 5. Casey Schmitt, 3B
- 6. Jung Hoo Lee, RF
- 7. Willy Adames, SS
- 8. Drew Gilbert, CF
- 9. Daniel Susac, C
Keys to Watch for the Giants
Arraez Sets the Table
Luis Arraez leading off is a lineup construction worth paying attention to. The contact-first second baseman is the kind of hitter who makes a starting pitcher work early and often. If Arraez is on base when Ramos and then Eldridge and Devers come to the plate, San Francisco has the ingredients for big innings.
Devers in the Cleanup Spot
Rafael Devers batting fourth at first base gives this Giants lineup a legitimate middle-of-the-order anchor. He is the type of hitter who can change a game with one swing, and Johnson will need a plan for him every time through the lineup.
Ray's Efficiency Early
For the Giants to get the result they want, Ray needs to keep the Angels off the board in the first two or three innings. Oracle Park can be a pitcher-friendly environment, and if Ray is commanding the strike zone, he has every tool to put together a quality start.
Susac Behind the Plate
Daniel Susac catching Ray is a pairing worth monitoring. The young catcher's ability to frame pitches and manage the game plan will play a quiet but real role in how Ray's day goes.
Prediction
The Giants lineup is deep and balanced, and home-field advantage at Oracle Park matters. Assuming Ray is sharp, San Francisco has enough offense from the Arraez-through-Devers stretch of the lineup to push across enough runs. Giants win, 4-2.