San Francisco Giants:A Look At The 2016 Schedule (April)

The 2016 San Francisco Giants schedule is highlighted by several early matchups with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a meeting with a Panda later on. Here is a first look at April.

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The first month of the season starts in Milwaukee where the Giants will play the Brewers for three. Nothing real special here, just a quick trip to the midwest to stretch out the legs. Monday, April 4th-6th (11:10am, 5:10pm, 10:40am)

Then it’s back home to play the Dodgers in a four game series. The Dodgers will come to town, having played three in the road in San Diego. So the order in the rotation will likely be 4,5,1,2. That will show who has more depth in the rotation with the battles between the 4’s and 5’s. There is also the return of former Giant, and new head coach, Dave Roberts. They will also be facing Adrian Gonzalez, and the 52 outfielders that the Dodgers have. There are promotions on each day of the series with an opening day calendar, opening night fireworks, a beat LA flag, and a Madison Bumgarner Hat. Thursday, April 7th-10th (1:35pm,7:15pm,1:05pm,1:05pm)

After an off day, the next three games are at the Colorado Rockies. Just as the Dodgers had, they will also be coming off of a series with San Diego. The Rockies may or may not have the same outfield by then, but they will have Nolan Arenado. And probably a pitcher we’ve never heard of who gives them fits. But with the 3,4,5’s in the rotation going for both teams, the Giants depth should be a good bet. Tuesday, April 12th-14th (5:40pm,5:40pm,12:10pm)

Then it’s down to L.A. to take on the Dodgers again. And we should be back to the top of the rotation for both squads for these three games. This series will be a good barometer for what is to come later in the season. Friday, April 15th-17th (7:10pm,TBD,5:00pm)

The Giants then come home to face the Arizona Diamondbacks for four games. And finally we get to see the new toys that the Diamondbacks got for the holidays. Zack Greinke should face Madison Bumgarner on the 20th, and Shelby Miller will get Johnny Cueto on the 21st. Should be an exciting series in San Francisco. And guess who the Diamondbacks play before coming to the City? You guessed it the Padres.(Just a weird quirk in the schedule) Stanford Night is Monday and Cal Night is Tuesday. Monday, April 18th-21st (7:15pm,7:15pm,7:15pm,12:45pm)

The team stays home to welcome the Miami Marlins for a three-day weekend series. And Barry Bonds will be returning to his former home as the hitting coach for the Marlins. They feature Dee Gordon and Giancarlo Stanton, but are still young. It is fortunate to play this team at home at this point in the season. They may figure things out later on down the line. Golf Night and San Jose State night is Friday, Brewfest and Matt Duffy Bobblehead is Saturday and Joe Panik Backpack is Sunday. Friday, April 22nd-24th (7:15pm,TBD,1:05pm)

Then the San Diego Padres come in to play three. Of course the Padres didn’t play themselves before coming to AT&T Park, but they will have just played a series at home versus the St Louis Cardinals. (And prior to that the Pittsburgh Pirates.) So with some tough games prior to travelling to San Francisco, the Giants can take advantage. The Padres still look like a team that is trying to find itself. The first Irish Heritage Night and Saint Mary’s Night is Monday and Chinese Heritage Night is Tuesday. Monday, April 25th-27th (7:15pm,7:15pm,12:45pm)

And finally the Giants travel across the country to face the New York Mets for three. They will play a team that will not have the services of former Giant Zack Wheeler (scheduled to be out until June or July after undergoing Tommy John surgery). But should have late-season pickup for the Giants last year, Alejandro De Aza available to roam the outfield. Last season’s National League champion will be playing the champion from the year before. And for fans of the Giants, hopefully the year after as well. Friday, April 29th-May 1st (4:10pm,1:05pm,10:10am)

Next: RIP Hendu

The season is still a little ways away, but the dates are set. And it is getting close to that time again where fresh-cut grass, and the crack of a bat are here. Stay tuned for our look at May 2016.