2020 Series Preview: San Francisco Giants @ Houston Astros

Giants Quick Notes

The Giants arrive in town after losing two straight series against the Dodgers and Rockies and holding steady at 4th in the NL West. San Francisco was never really expected to compete much in this season, especially after star catcher Buster Posey opted out, and so far have lived up to that non-expectation. Of course, it doesn’t help that they’re in the same division as two of the best teams in the NL.

The Giants’ biggest problem this season has probably been the starting pitching. They’re the only team in MLB who does not have a quality start yet this season, though that is at least partially due to a slow ramp up for their starters according to manager Gabe Kapler.

What was probably not part of the plan was the rash of pitcher injuries that the team has suffered, including starters Drew Smyly (finger strain) and Jeff Samardzija (shoulder impingement).

They’re not exactly helpless though as they still have Johnny Cueto, who always has the potential to pitch a gem. Unfortunately for San Francisco, his stats aren’t as impressive to start the season as they have been in the past. He did recently take a no-hitter into the 6th inning in a game against the Dodgers though.

On the offensive side the team has actually done a pretty solid job so far this season. CF Mike Yastrzemski and 2B Donovan Solano have been the team’s best hitters in the early going. Yastrzemski has 4 home runs and 14 walks after 17 games, both of which lead the team. Meanwhile, Solano is boasting a .455 average in 55 at-bats, which is second only to Charlie Blackmon’s .458 in 59. He’s also currently on a 14 game hitting streak.

RF Austin Slater and 2B Wilmer Flores are both off to good starts in 2020 as well, though not nearly as sky high as Yas and Solana.

The back end of San Francisco’s bullpen mostly consists of Trevor Gott, Tony Watson, and Tyler Rogers. While the team began spring training with no clear cut closer, it seems as though Trevor Gott has seized the position after collecting all four saves for the Giants this year. He also boasts a sparkling 1.80 ERA in 5 innings of work.

Lefty Tony Watson has also looked good in 2020 but he’s only worked 3.2 innings across 5 games. Watson had a down year in 2019, but has been a steady reliever for a majority of his 9+ years in the big leagues.

Submariner Tyler Rogers, on the other hand, has been much less reliable this season. Rogers has had three disastrous outings so far in 2020 and now boasts an 11.88 ERA. He’s been one of the most often used relievers this year after seeing work in 9 of the Giants’ 17 games.

Fun Fact

This is the first time in 8 years that the Astros will play the Giants in a series longer than 2 games.

For Your Viewing and Listening Pleasure

Game 1: Monday, August 10th @ 8:10 pm CDT
Listen: Giants - KNBR 680, 1510 AM - KSFN / Astros - KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, KTRH 740 AM/99.1 FM HD-2, La Ranchera 101.7 FM/850 AM
Watch: Giants - NBCS BA / Astros - ATT SportsNet-SW / ESPN (out-of-market only)

Game 2: Tuesday, August 11th @ 8:10 pm CDT
Listen: Giants - KNBR 680, 1510 AM - KSFN / Astros - KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, KTRH 740 AM/99.1 FM HD-2, La Ranchera 101.7 FM/850 AM
Watch: Giants - NBCS BA / Astros - ATT SportsNet-SW

Game 3: Wednesday, August 12th @ 6:10 pm CDT
Listen: Giants - KNBR 680, 1510 AM - KSFN / Astros - KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2, La Ranchera 101.7 FM/850 AM
Watch: Giants - NBCS BA / Astros - ATT SportsNet-SW+