The San Francisco Giants head to Texas today to take on the Houston Astros in a three-game series.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Jordan Hicks, who ended his 2024 season with a 4.10 ERA, 4.37 FIP, with 96 strikeouts to 47 walks in 109.2 innings pitched. Hicks started 20 games for the Giants in 2024, transitioning from primarily pitching in relief for the majority of his career thus far. He ultimately ended up back in the bullpen by the end of the season, but the Giants are confident enough in his ability to start that he’s landed the third spot in the rotation for 2025.
He’ll be facing off against Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco, who is starting his fourth year in the majors at the age of 31. Blanco ended his 2024 season with a 2.80 ERA, 4.15 FIP, with 166 strikeouts to 68 walks in 167.1 innings pitched over 29 starts.
Former Giant Mauricio Dubón has the “best” history against Hicks, with a 1.000 average in two at-bats against him. Christian Walker has a .500 average against him as well, with a home run in four at-bats against Hicks.
Meanwhile, the Giants haven’t seen a ton of Blanco. But LaMonte Wade, Jr. got a hit against him in his one at-bat against him. Patrick Bailey and Heliot Ramos also have a .333 average in three at-bats each.
Lineups
Giants
- LaMonte Wade, Jr. – 1B
- Willie Adames – SS
- Jung Hoo Lee – CF
- Matt Chapman – 3B
- Heliot Ramos – LF
- Patrick Bailey – C
- Wilmer Flores – DH
- Mike Yastrzemski – RF
- Tyler Fitzgerald – 2B
RHP: Jordan Hicks
Astros
- Jose Altuve – 2B
- Isaac Paredes – 3B
- Yordan Alvarez – DH
- Christian Walker – 1B
- Yainer Diaz – C
- Jeremy Peña – SS
- Cam Smith – RF
- Mauricio Dubón – LF
- Jake Meyers – CF
RHP: Ronel Blanco
Game #4
Who: San Francisco Giants (2-1) vs. Houston Astros (2-1)
Where: Daikin Park, Houston, Texas
When: 5:10 p.m. PT
Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area
National broadcast: n/a
Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM
