The San Francisco Giants welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to Oracle Park on Friday, August 28, 2026, for a 10:15 PM ET first pitch. Right-hander Blade Tidwell gets the ball for San Francisco against Arizona's Kohl Drake in what shapes up as a matchup of two pitchers who could have a significant say in how the second half of the regular season plays out for both clubs. With a full lineup card in hand for the Giants and the Bay air rolling in off McCovey Cove, this is a game worth watching from the first pitch.

Giants vs. Diamondbacks Game Preview: August 28, 2026

Starting Pitchers: Blade Tidwell vs. Kohl Drake

Blade Tidwell draws the start for the Giants. The young right-hander has shown flashes of the stuff that made him a prospect worth tracking, and a home start at Oracle Park gives him every advantage — a pitcher-friendly environment, a home crowd, and a defense lined up behind him. His counterpart, Kohl Drake, gets the assignment for Arizona. Neither pitcher's current season line is available ahead of first pitch, so the most honest thing to say is this: watch the first two innings closely. How each starter handles the top of the opposing order will tell you a lot about where this game is headed.

San Francisco Giants Starting Lineup

• 1. Jonah Cox — CF
• 2. Rafael Devers — 1B
• 3. Bryce Eldridge — DH
• 4. Andrew Knizner — C
• 5. Jung Hoo Lee — RF
• 6. Shay Whitcomb — 3B
• 7. Turner Hill — LF
• 8. Christian Koss — SS
• 9. Osleivis Basabe — 2B

Manager Bob Melvin has constructed a lineup with some interesting wrinkles here. Jonah Cox leads things off from center field, giving the Giants a speed-and-contact presence at the top. Rafael Devers hitting second is the kind of protection-heavy construction that keeps opposing pitchers honest — you cannot simply pitch around Cox with Devers standing in the on-deck circle. Bryce Eldridge slots in third as the designated hitter, and Jung Hoo Lee rounds out what could be a productive middle portion of the order from the five hole in right field.

Keys to Watch

• Tidwell's command early: Oracle Park rewards pitchers who can work ahead in the count. If Tidwell is locating his fastball in the first three innings, Arizona is going to have a long night.
• The Devers factor: Rafael Devers in the two hole gives this lineup a different look. How Drake chooses to attack him — and whether he can — will shape the Giants' run-scoring opportunities.
• Jung Hoo Lee's at-bats: Lee in the five spot is a statement of confidence. Watch how he handles Drake's secondary offerings, particularly with runners on base.
• Arizona's lineup construction: The Diamondbacks' lineup card was not available at preview time, but Arizona consistently puts pressure on opposing pitchers with contact and speed. Tidwell will need to minimize traffic on the bases.

Prediction

Home field matters at Oracle Park, and the Giants have the lineup depth to make Drake work deep into counts. Give the edge to San Francisco in a close one — Tidwell settles in after the first inning, the middle of the Giants' order does enough damage, and the bullpen closes it out. Giants 4, Diamondbacks 2.

Catch the game on NBCS BA or KNTV on television, or tune in to KNBR 680 on the radio. Spanish-language coverage is available on La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM, as well as 1510 AM KSFN. First pitch is set for 10:15 PM ET on Friday, August 28.