Predicting the SF Giants Opening Day lineup against the Marlins

Opening day is finally here! The SF Giants face off against Sandy Alcántara and the Miami Marlins in just a few hours. Given that Alcántara throws from the right side, the Giants should have plenty of options available.

Predicting the SF Giants Opening Day lineup against the Marlins

Logan Webb will take the hill for San Francisco. The 25-year-old pitcher was fantastic in 2021, registering a 3.03 ERA, 2.72 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, 9.6 K/9, and a 4.39 SO/W ratio in 26 starts. Similarly,
Alcántara is coming off of a strong campaign in which he posted a 3.19 ERA, 3.42 FIP, 1.08 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, and a 4.02 SO/W ratio in 33 starts.

The Marlins have been rebuilding for several years, but they have a stronger roster than many think. They may not be in the playoff picture, but they will be a gritty opponent to face off against. That is due to a strong rotation that features Alcántara, Trevor Rogers, and Pablo López.

The Giants have limited exposure against Alcántara. Mike Yastrzemski and Brandon Crawford have faced the 26-year-old hurler the most, collecting 11 at-bats apiece. Yastrzemski has collected four hits off of Alcántara, whereas Crawford has recorded three hits. Interestingly, Brandon Belt has four hits against the righty as well.

The Giants saw Alcántara twice in April last season. Across 11.1 innings, the Giants offense scratched 10 hits, including one home run, and seven earned runs across the plate. Many of the same faces will be in today's lineup:

1. CF Steven Duggar

2. RF Mike Yastrzemski

3. 1B Brandon Belt

4. SS Brandon Crawford

5. DH Darin Ruf

6. LF Joc Pederson

7. 3B Wilmer Flores

8. C Joey Bart

9. 2B Thairo Estrda

Tommy La Stella (Achilles) and LaMonte Wade Jr. (knee) will begin the season on the injured list, but they will typically be in the lineup against right-handed pitching. The Giants might want to break up the lefties more, so swapping Crawford and Ruf as well as Pederson and Flores gives the lineup added balance.

The Giants will have their hands full against Alcántara. However, despite the departures of both Buster Posey and Kris Bryant plus the injuries to La Stella, Wade Jr., and Evan Longoria (finger), the Giants can still run a quality lineup against righties. They look to get the season off on the right foot in just a few hours. Baseball is back!