The San Francisco Giants host the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park on Monday, August 24, with first pitch scheduled for 9:45 PM ET. Cincinnati sends right-hander Chase Burns to the hill, while San Francisco has yet to name a probable starter — a notable question mark heading into what should be a competitive late-summer matchup between two National League clubs. The game airs nationally on FS1 and locally on NBCS Bay Area, with radio coverage on KNBR 680.

Giants Starting Pitcher Situation

The biggest storyline entering this game is straightforward: the Giants have not named a starter. Whether that signals a bullpen game, a late roster move, or a decision still being finalized, San Francisco's pitching plan is the primary unknown. How manager Bob Melvin deploys his arms — and how deep into the game he can push whoever gets the ball — will shape everything about the Giants' chances Monday night.

Chase Burns Takes the Mound for Cincinnati

The Reds are not dealing with any such uncertainty. Chase Burns gets the start for Cincinnati. The right-hander is one of the more intriguing young arms in the National League, and Oracle Park — with its marine layer and spacious outfield gaps — can be a challenging environment for any pitcher. Burns will need to navigate a Giants lineup that carries genuine offensive threat from top to bottom.

Giants Lineup: Gilbert Leads Off, Devers Bats Second

San Francisco's lineup is set and worth paying close attention to. Drew Gilbert leads off from center field, followed by Rafael Devers at first base — a potent one-two punch at the top of the order. Jung Hoo Lee slots in third as the designated hitter, with Turner Hill protecting the cleanup spot in left field. The middle of the order rounds out with Drew Cavanaugh behind the plate batting fifth, Nate Furman at second base sixth, Shay Whitcomb at third seventh, Grant McCray in right field eighth, and Christian Koss at shortstop rounding out the nine spot.

Reds Lineup: Elly De La Cruz Sets the Table

Cincinnati counters with Elly De La Cruz leading off at shortstop — one of the most dynamic players in the game when he is locked in. Sal Stewart bats second at first base, followed by Dane Myers in center. Tyler Stephenson hits cleanup as the DH, with Eugenio Suárez at third batting fifth. Matt McLain slots in at second base sixth, JJ Bleday in right seventh, Jose Trevino behind the plate eighth, and Ivan Johnson in left to complete the order.

Keys to Watch at Oracle Park

• Giants' pitching identity: Without a confirmed starter, the bullpen's depth and sequencing becomes the central tactical question. Watch for how San Francisco constructs the first three innings.
• De La Cruz factor: If Elly De La Cruz gets on base and starts running, Oracle Park's atmosphere gets loud in a hurry — for the wrong team. The Giants need to limit his impact early.
• Devers in the two-hole: Rafael Devers batting second gives San Francisco a genuine middle-of-the-order bat hitting in front of Lee. Burns will have no easy innings against this lineup construction.
• Burns's command against a patient lineup: How Burns handles the Giants' lineup structure — with threats from top to bottom — will determine whether this is a quality start or an early exit.

Prediction

The Giants' unresolved starting pitcher situation is a real concern, but this lineup has the firepower to manufacture runs against anyone. San Francisco's offense should find ways to get to Burns through the middle innings. Give the edge to the Giants at home — Oracle Park tends to reward good at-bats, and this lineup is built to grind. Giants 5, Reds 3.