SF Giants probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. San Diego Padres, March 18

The SF Giants (16-5) take on the San Diego Padres (9-15) at home as spring training begins to wind down. Robbie Ray is slated to start in what will be one of his final exhibition games of the spring.

SF Giants probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. San Diego Padres, March 18

Spring training is six weeks for a reason, and that reason is to get the pitching staff ready for the regular season. That said, this does feel like the point when the Cactus League begins to drag. The vibes are typically great in the spring, but I think fans and players alike are ready for the season to begin.

I digress. Robbie Ray is looking to finish what has been a very strong spring, headlined by introducing a new changeup grip he learned from 2024 AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Ray has allowed just two earned runs on five hits, 17 strikeouts, and zero walks.

While it is tough to get excited about spring training stats, the process looks good from Ray and many Giants pitchers. He is getting first-pitch strikes, quick outs, and the defense off of the field. The southpaw pitcher has displayed average command, posting a 3.8 BB/9, in his 11-year career. However, if there is an improvement in his command, that would be a noticeable trend to monitor in 2025.

Who is hot for the SF Giants?

Luis Matos has certainly hit his way onto the Opening Day roster. He added two more hits and a walk in the Giants' 3-0 win over the White Sox. Overall, he has tallied 19 hits, including two home runs, with 11 RBI in 50 at-bats. His hit total is tied with Curtis Mead of the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead this spring.

Who are the SF Giants facing?

The Giants will be facing off against right-handed pitcher Stephen Kolek. Kolek has allowed one earned run with five strikeouts and one walk this spring. He features a mid-90's fastball with a cutter, sweeper, slider, and occasional changeup.

SF Giants starting lineup, March 18

• 1. 1B LaMonte Wade Jr.
• 2. SS Willy Adames
• 3. RF Mike Yastrzemski
• 4. 3B Matt Chapman
• 5. C Patrick Bailey
• 6. DH Wilmer Flores
• 7. LF Luis Matos
• 8. 2B Casey Schmitt
• 9. CF Grant McCray

Padres starting lineup, March 18

• 1. SS Jose Iglesias
• 2. LF Brandon Lockridge
• 3. 2B Eguy Rosario
• 4. DH Oscar Gonzalez
• 5. C Martín Maldonado
• 6. CF Tyler Wade
• 7. RF Tirso Ornelas
• 8. 3B Mike Brousseau
• 9. 1B Romeo Sanabria

How to follow today's game?

The Giants are home at Scottsdale Stadium the Padres, starting at 6:05 PM PST. The TV broadcast will be carried by NBC Sports Bay Area, whereas the radio broadcast will be on KNBR 680.