The Giants’ only significant position player addition this offseason is in the Opening Day lineup.
Joc Pederson will be the 16th different left fielder to start the season over the last 16 years (since the retirement of Barry Bonds) in San Francisco’s opener vs. the Marlins at Oracle Park on Friday. The Bay Area native — known for his power — will hit fourth.
Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford will hit second and fifth respectively. This is the 11th Opening Day start for both players. Only Willie Mays (15), Willie McCovey (15) and Barry Bonds (14) have more Opening Day starts in franchise history.
Facing a righty in Sandy Alcantara, the Giants have power up and down the lineup, including Joey Bart making his first ever Opening Day start batting in the nine spot. Darin Ruf will DH and bat third with this season’s universal DH rule change. Here’s the full lineup:
- Mike Yastrzemski – RF
- Brandon Belt – 1B
- Darin Ruf – DH
- Joc Pederson – LF
- Brandon Crawford – SS
- Wilmer Flores – 3B
- Thairo Estrada – 2B
- Steven Duggar – CF
- Joey Bart – C
Logan Webb – RHP
