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Oracle Park

SLIDESHOW: Food, mariachi, Chick-fil-A and more: What’s new at Oracle Park in 2026

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By Vince Cestone

Slideshow is at the bottom of the article (photos by the author Vince Cestone)

2026 isn’t just a new season on the field for the San Francisco Giants, but fans also get to try some new things at Oracle Park this season.

From Lucky Fries, to Chick-fil-A signage on the “fowl” poles, and to even an in-house mariachi band, the Oracle Park faithful have plenty of things to look forward to in 2026.

Among the highlights is an in-house mariachi band that will play at Oracle Park during all Saturday home games. The Giants will also wear a new Gigantes jersey on the field, which honors the Latino community, the team said. Local talent performing on these Saturday home games include Mariachi San Francisco, La Explosiva Sonora MX, and Comando Único. DJ collective Sazón Libre, who is based in the Mission District, will provide the music during the Fiesta Gigante Saturdays.

On the food side, the Giants are debuting Lucky Fries, a Birria Loaded Grilled Cheese sandwich, a new carvery, a dessert chimichanga, and two new hot dogs, among other items. Sports Radio Service’s Marko Ukalovic’s favorite was the Lucky Fries. Giants writer Vince Cestone agrees. In the slideshow below, you can see all the ingredients of each food item. The Giants even are debuting a new wine club.

Another noticeable change are both the left and right field “fowl” poles. Chick-fil-A has vertical signage in classic Chick-fil-A style on the two foul poles. Both foul poles read, “Chikin iz fare.”

The Giants will open the 2026 season on March 25 against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park.

Here’s a slide show of some of the new happenings at Oracle Park this season:

  • Giants in-house mariachi band
  • Giants in-house mariachi band
  • Giants in-house mariachi band
  • Birria loaded quesadilla
  • Birria loaded grilled cheese sandwich
  • Birria loaded grilled cheese sandwich
  • Beef Bulgogi
  • Beef Bulgogi
  • Beef Bulgogi
  • Beef Bulgogi
  • Giants wine club
  • Peruchín Sandwich
  • Peruchín Sandwich
  • Giants wine club
  • Lucky Fries
  • Lucky Fries
  • Lucky Fries
  • Assortment of Oracle Park desserts
  • Dessert chimichanga
  • Assortment of Giants desserts
  • Assortment of Giants desserts
  • Assortment of Giants desserts
  • Orange and Black Hot Dog
  • Char Siu Dog
  • Char Siu Dog
  • Char Siu Dog
  • 999 package
  • Giants 2026 souvenir cups
  • Assortment of Giants food items
  • Hello Kitty palm palm
  • New Chic-Fil-A signage on the left field foul pole.
  • New Chic-Fil-A signage on the right field foul pole.
  • New Chic-Fil-A signage on the right field foul pole.
  • Oracle Park
    Oracle Park on March 18, 2026
  • Oracle Park on March 18, 2026

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: How extreme heat is affecting Cactus League play; Can Tigers Skubal set contract records? Plus more news

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Two time Cy Young Award winner Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal could set contract records when he reaches free agency (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 How could the extreme heat wave affecting the Cactus League in Arizona change the way teams manage players and schedules during spring training and do you think climate change played a part in the extreme heat?

#2 What factors might lead to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal potentially setting new contract records when he reaches free agency?

#3 How did Chris Sale’s efficient spring training outing help the Atlanta Braves secure a dominant win, and what might it indicate about his readiness for the regular season?

#4 What impact could experimental rule changes in the minor leagues have on the future of Major League Baseball gameplay?

#5 How are spring training matchups—such as the San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres—helping teams evaluate talent and finalize rosters before Opening Day? How much are the Pads Mason Miller and the Giants Logan Webb drawing cards?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Giants report: Checking in on roster hopefuls

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Photo: San Francisco Giants’ Bryce Eldridge smiles as he celebrates his run scored against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning of a spring training baseball game on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

By Vince Cestone

The San Francisco Giants will head north at the end of the week, and a few roster hopefuls are still vying for a spot on the 26-man roster.

The Giants will open the season at Oracle Park against the New York Yankees on March 25. Here are a few players hoping to be on the roster when the Giants break camp:

Bryce Eldridge: Although he is hitting only .250 this spring, Eldridge has been doing damage at the plate. In 36 at-bats, he has an impressive .913 OPS and .413 on-base percentage. He has one home run, four doubles, a triple, and nine walks. But of course, the one big issue for Eldrige has always been the strikeouts.

He’s struck out 16 times in 36 plate appearances, including a disappointing ninth-inning punchout on Saturday with a runner at third and one out against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Giants were down by one run and needed just a sacrifice fly to tie the game, but Eldridge couldn’t deliver. He’ll need to cut down on the strikeouts if he wants to make the team and stay with the club.

The good news is he did walk nine times this spring. He’s also looking pretty good defensively at first base, thanks to the help of infield coach Ron Washington.

Jerar Encarnación: As of late, Encarnación is making a good case for himself to make the team. On Sunday, Encarnación hit a long home run against the Milwaukee Brewers to give the Giants a 3-0 lead, fueling a six-run, second-inning rally. The ball nearly left Scottsdale Stadium.

In 43 at-bats this spring, Encarnación is hitting .302, with two home runs and nine RBIs. He’s only struck out eight times in 43 at-bats, which is an encouraging sign. If he continues his late-spring surge, Encarnación could be a solid DH option off the bench against lefties.

Victor Bericoto: In spring training, there’s always seems to be a surprise player who you didn’t expect to make noise, and Bericoto fits exactly into that mold. Signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2018, Bericoto is hitting .441, with two home runs and 12 RBIs. He has an impressive .444 on-base percentage. His OPS for the spring is an impressive 1.120. While he’s probably destined for Triple-A Sacramento next week, he can perhaps force the issue if he continues his strong play.

Blake Tidwell: Tidwell was looking great at the start of the spring. He was blowing hitters away with his high 90s fastball and looked like he may make the team to help the Giants’ bullpen, which is one of the biggest question marks this season. But as the case with any raw, unproven pitcher, those hopes took a dash. In 5 2/3 innings this spring, he’s given up seven earned runs, eight hits, and five walks. He has struck out 12 batters. His worst outing came on March 8 against the Chicago Cubs, where he gave up four runs in 1 1/3 innings. He walked two but struck out four. He may need a bit more seasoning in Triple-A before joining the big club perhaps later this year.

Matt Gage: Originally drafted by the Giants in 2014, Gage is back this year for his second stint with San Francisco. The Giants signed Gage to minor-league contract last year. In 2025, Gage had a 3.19 ERA in 31 innings pitched for both the Detroit Tigers and Giants. But he had an unimpressive 1.52 WHIP last year.

This spring, the lefty is doing well, which gives him a great shot to make the team. In 5 1/3 innings pitched, Gage has a 3.38 ERA, seven strikeouts, and an impressive 0.56 WHIP. Opponents are only hitting .158 against him this spring. Aside from any major setbacks, there’s a strong chance that Gage is on the Opening Day roster against the Yankees next week.

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O: Team USA makes comeback defeating Team Canada after Italian loss

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The World Baseball Classic run through March 17, 2026 (World Baseball Classic image)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 How did Team USA respond after its earlier loss to Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and which pitcher helped lead the team to a win over Canada to reach the semifinals?

#2 Which two powerhouse teams are set to face each other in a highly anticipated World Baseball Classic semifinal following the Dominican Republic’s dominant win over South Korea?

#3 What roster change did Team USA make when reliever Jeff Hoffman replaced a recently retired star pitcher for the World Baseball Classic semifinals?

#4 What injury concern emerged for the Los Angeles Angels’ bullpen when reliever Robert Stephenson experienced another elbow issue requiring medical evaluation?

#5 How has the use of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system in games and spring training highlights sparked conversation about technology’s role in officiating baseball?

Join Charlie O for Major League Baseball podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Field of Dreams game returns this August

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Players recreating ghost players of the past wearing Chicago White Sox uniforms from the 1919 era at the Field of Dreams corn field site in Dyersville IA decades after the filming of the famous movie (AP file photo)

Field of Dreams game returns this August

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Field of Dreams (1989) is ranked among the top 10 best baseball movies ever made, often appearing in the top three alongside Bull Durham and The Natural. it was also only one of three baseball movies nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

This August 13 MLB Field of Dreams game will take place in Dyersville, Iowa. The game is airing on Netflix, returning to the iconic movie site using a 3,000-seat stadium. The Minnesota Twins will host the Philadelphia Phillies.

A Minor League Baseball game between the Iowa Cubs and St Paul Saints will precede it on August 11. The venue is a specially constructed professional ballpark designed to fit within the landscape of the original movie set, built 500 feet from it, with a capacity of approximately 8,000 fans.

For baseball fans, this could be on your ‘bucket list’. MLB will handle all ticket sales, and you can check for updates and official information on the MLB Field of Dreams page. https://www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com/mlbatfod

Previous Field of Dreams games in Iowa: 2021 White Sox 9 Yankees 8, and in 2022 Cubs 4 Reds 2. Notable Baseball Movies: Try to remember how many you have seen of these. Here they are: Field of Dreams—-The Sandlot—–Bull Durham—-A League of Their Own—–The Pride of the Yankees—–Eight Man Out—–Moneyball—-The Natural—Major League—-The Bad News Bears—-The Rookie—-Damn Yankees.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Roupp settles down after rough first inning in 6-1 loss to Reds, Birdsong hopes to only miss a few weeks

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San Francisco pitcher Landen Roupp had the starting duties against the Cincinnati Reds at Scottsdale Stadium on Fri Mar 13, 2026 in Cactus League action (San Francisco Giants image)

By Stephen Ruderman

SCOTTSDALE AZ–Landen Roupp was able to settle down after a tough first inning for a solid start, but the Giants still came up short in a 6-1 loss to the Reds at Scottsdale Stadium.

Landen Roupp is competing for a spot in the Giants’ rotation, and he took the ball against the Reds for a late-afternoon affair on a warm afternoon here in Scottsdale. The Reds got to Roupp for a pair of runs on a base-hit by JJ Bleday in the top of the first inning.

Fortunately, Roupp was able to settle down and throw a pair of scoreless innings in the second and third. Roupp gave up four hits. He walked three, and struck out four.

Erik Miller struck out the side in a scoreless top of the fourth. Blade Tidwell, who is competing for a spot on the roster, gave up a run in the top of the fifth. Tidwell, like Miller, struck out the side. Nick Margevicius pitched the final four innings, giving up three runs, two of them earned.

On the offensive side, Jerar Encarnacion went 2-for-4, and knocked in the Giants’ lone run with a double in the bottom of the seventh. Matt Chapman went 1-for-2 with a double, as did his replacement at third, Parks Harber. Will Brennan continued his sneaky-good spring with a 1-for-3 night, and he scored the Giants’ lone run.

Drew Gilbert went 0-for-4 tonight, and he is 1-for-7 since his return from his left shoulder injury. While Gilbert struck out in his first two at-bats today, he made solid contact in a fly out to fairly-deep right-center in the bottom of the seventh, and he fouled off a pair of two-strike pitches before grounding out in the bottom of the ninth.

What people have to remember too about Gilbert is that he is not even playing the field yet. A 1-for-7 since his return is hardly something for him or anybody else to be concerned about.

Birdsong hopes to only miss a few weeks:

Hayden Birdsong has been sidelined with what originally was reported to be soreness in his right elbow. However, Birdsong’s agent, Scott Boras, says it is not his elbow, and Birdsong plans to get a second option. Birdsong also said that he hopes to miss only a few weeks.

Two more players cut:

The Giants cut two more players today, both of them pitchers. Left-hander Juan Sanchez, who escaped walking the bases load in his appearance against the Chicago White Sox last night, has been cut. Right-hander Wilkin Ramos has also been cut.

San Francisco Giants game wrap: First day of cuts ends with 3-3 tie against White Sox

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San Francisco Giants third baseman Sabin Cebellos (2) shares congratulations from teammate after a Giants win from Wed Mar 11, 2026 against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. The Giants and the Chicago White Sox ended up in a 3-3 knot at Scottsdale Stadium on Thu Mar 12, 2026 (San Francisco Giants X photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

SCOTTSDALE AZ–The Giants ended up tied with the White Sox 3-3 in a nine-inning affair from Scottsdale Stadium.

If you are wondering why we ended up tied, spring training games rarely go extra innings these days. So let’s look at how we got here.

Trevor McDonald got the start, and went four innings, giving two runs on four hits. He walked one, and struck out four. Both runs came via the solo home run. Lenyn Sosa lined one out to left in the top of the second, and Derek Hill hit one out the other way to right in the top of the third.

Matt Gage, who is working on a new splitter here in camp, gave up a hit and struck out two in the top of the fifth. Keaton Winn, who has been pumping the gun this spring, gave up a hit and struck out a guy in a scoreless top of the sixth.

Will Brennan, who has had a sneaky-good camp, got the Giants on the board with a perfectly-placed ground ball base-hit up the middle in the bottom of the fourth. Matt Chapman then lined a two-out, two-strike base-hit to left off Eric Adler to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. Chapman ended up going 2-for-3 tonight.

The White Sox scored a run off Tristan Beck in the top of the seventh to take a 3-2 lead.

Left-hander Juan Sanchez, who has an interesting herky-jerky motion, walked the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, but was somehow able to get out of it unscathed. In that inning, Darren Baker, who was over here from the White Sox’ minor league camp, stole second and third. The kid has got some real speed, and he could be quite valuable for a lot of major league teams.

Eric Haase walked with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Jarred Oliva then pinch-ran, and seemed to feel quite inspired by Darren, as he stole second and third as well. Jerar Encarnacion got Oliva in with a sacrifice fly to right-center to tie it, and that would turn out to be it for the night.

Giants make first four cuts:

Prior to the game, Manager Tony Vitello announced the first four cuts of camp. Among the casualties were right-handed pitchers Will Bednar and Trent Harris; catcher Diego Cartaya; and outfielder Bo Davidson, one of the Giants’ top prospects.

Birdsong sidelined with elbow trouble:

Giants’ pitcher Hayden Birdsong finally had his first solid outing of the spring on Tuesday, but is now being sidelined with a right elbow injury, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. According to Slussler, the Giants will defer to the team’s medical staff before any decisions are made.

Other notes:

Harrison Bader led off tonight in his return from the World Baseball Classic, and went 1-for-2 with a walk.

Rafael Devers went 0-for-4 tonight to make it 0-for-15 on the spring. Hey, he’s coming off an injury, and oh yeah, it’s Spring Training.

Daniel Susac, who is currently locked in the battle for the backup catcher’s role against Jesus Rodriguez, went 1-for-2 with a solid opposite-field base-hit to right and a walk.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2026 Season Predictions 

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Amaury Pi Gonzalez the author and as the Wizard of the MLB 2026 predictions writes about what is about to happen in the MLB 2026 season (Image by Mauricio Segura-Golden Bay Times)

 2026 Season Predictions  

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The 2026 MLB regular season begins with a special Opening Night game on Wednesday, March 25, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, followed by a full 14-game traditional Opening Day on March 26. This is the second time these two teams opened an MLB season; the last time was in 2023. 

Last season, the Yankees finished in a virtual tie for first place in the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, both with an identical record of 94-68. The San Francisco Giants finished in third place in the NL West with an 81-81 record,12 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to win their second consecutive World Series. Both teams are expected to be contenders. The Yankees and Toronto still will fight for the AL East. Giants will have to fight with the Padres, both pursuing the Dodgers.

 PREDICTIONS

AMERICAN LEAGUE (East) 1-Yankees 2-Blue Jays 3-Red Sox 4-Orioles 5-Rays.

 The Yankees are still looking to win their 28th World Series (last one was 2009)  I like their exciting offense, headed by Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and a lineup that led the majors with 274 Home runs. They signed Cory Bellinger and veteran Paul Goldschmidt. Good rotation with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried; they added lefty Ryan Weathers on a trade with the Marlins. Their bullpen was a problem, with a 4.47 ERA. They added closer David Bednar from the Pirates. The Yanks will have to hit and hit and hit, because their overall pitching is a big question mark. Defense is average.

 (Central) 1-Tigers 2-Guardians 3-Royals 4-Twins 5-White Sox. Tigers’ reigning Cy Young Award winner last year, Hayward’s own Tarik Skubal, is now joined by recently signed Free Agent  Framber Valdéz (3-year $115 million). Those are two of the best pitchers in the game. Detroit also signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander to a 1 year deal. They have enough offense and a smart defense; they’re the best team in the Central. The last time Detroit won the division was in 2014. They are going to win it this season.

(West)   1-Mariners 2-Rangers -3-Houston 4-Athletics 5-Angels,  -Mariners are “Always the Bridesmaid, but never the Bride”

As of the end of the 2025 MLB season, the Mariners are the only active MLB franchise that has never appeared in a World Series. Led by catcher Cal Raleigh, who tied Mickey Mantle for the most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season with 54 home runs, Julio Rodriguez is ready to win an MVP, and, as always, good pitching to contend: Logan Gilbert,  Bryan Woo, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby. A solid defensive team. They should win this division again. A good guy and play-by-play man, Rick Rizzs, announced after 41 years that 2026 will be his last.   While the team renting in Sacramento showcases a powerful offense. Watch for a 19-year-old Dominican kid, Leo De Vries, who is a shortstop and can hit for power. Too bad the A’s do not have enough pitching to seriously contend, but they will continue to bang, and their defense has improved. Do not trust the LA Angels’ pitching.

NATIONAL LEAGUE (East) 1-Phillies 2-Mets 3-Braves 4-Nationals 5-Marlins. The Phillies should win that division again, one of the roughest teams at home; they won 55 of the 81 games in their casa. Phillies fans are among the most passionate in all of baseball; they are indeed the 10th man on that team. Super lineup, Schwarz, Turner, Harper, J.T.Realmuto, and company, and a stellar pitching staff, led by ace Zack Wheeler, followed by Jesús Luzardo, Cristopher Sánchez, three solid arms, and a solid defense, this is the team to beat again in this division.

(Central) 1-Cubs 2-Brewers 3-Reds 4-Pirates 5-Cardinals. The Cubs were busy this off season, restructuring their pitching and also adding veteran players Michael Conforto and Dylan Carlson. The most interesting team here is the Pittsburgh Pirates; they could give Milwaukee and Chicago fits. I think it is time for a change here, and the Chicago Cubs will provide.

(West)1-Dodgers  2-Padres 3-Giants 4-Diamondbacks -5 Rockies.  -No reason to believe the Dodgers could not win this division again. The Padres and the Giants will battle for second (wild card). San Diego signed Miguel Tejada, Nick Castellanos, and Korean infielder Sung-Mun-Song. They have a solid offense with Machado, Tatis, Boagerts, and others. The Giants’ biggest off-season news is naming Tony Vitello from Tennessee as new manager. Became the first team ever to hire a college manager with no Major League experience. Giants added two good veterans: three-time batting champ Luis Arráez and talented center fielder Harrison Bader, along with pitchers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. The top two pitchers, Brandon Webb and Robbie Ray, are Cy Young material,, they need Landen Roupp (7-7 3.80) to have his best season yet.

Quote: You look forward to Opening Day like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.” — Joe DiMaggio

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Giants report: SF players contributing in World Baseball Classic

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By Vince Cestone

The World Baseball Classic is underway, and a few San Francisco Giants players are contributing on the international stage.

Giants ace Logan Webb pitched the opening game for Team USA on March 7. He went four innings, giving up one hit and one earned run. He had six strikeouts in the game. The lone run Webb gave up came from a home run by Team Brazil’s Lucas Ramirez, the son of Manny Ramirez. USA won the game 15-5.

Giants second base free agent acquisition Luis Arraez is also representing San Francisco well in the WBC. In three games for Team Venezuela, Arraez is 6-for-11, with two home runs and seven RBIs in three games. He has two doubles, a walk, and only struck out one time in classic Arraez fashion. The Giants hope Arraez keeps this up when the regular season starts in two weeks at Oracle Park against the New York Yankees.

San Francisco outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is 5-for-18 in the WBC. He has two doubles over those four games with no strikeouts, which is always a great sign. Serving as the team captain for Team Korea, he was clutch on Tuesday in his team’s 7-2 win against Australia. Lee’s third inning double gave Korea a 3-0 lead. The Giants hope he can be a dynamic presence at the top of the lineup in 2026.

Giants left fielder Helio Ramos is only 1-for-13 with a double for Team Puerto Rico. He has struck out six times, which is almost half the time. The Giants are hoping Ramos can cut down on his strikeouts, but it doesn’t look like that’s been happening at least in the WBC.

New Giants center fielder Harrison Bader is only 3-for-14 in the WBC but has a home run. With Israel, he’s struck out five times and has two RBIs in four games. The Giants hope he can provide athleticism and speed in the outfield for the Giants in 2026. Outfield defense was one of their biggest weaknesses last year.

Reliever Jose Butto has pitched three perfect innings for Venezuela, notching one strikeout. The Giants acquired Butto from the New York Mets in the Tyler Rogers trade. The Giants hope he can help out their bullpen, which is still a big question mark for 2026.

Lastly, for Team Great Britain, Tristan Beck has given up one run in 1 1/3 innings. He has struck out one batter in two games. On Friday, Team Mexico first baseman Jonathan Aranda hit a 346-foot, three-run homer off of Beck that gave them the lead in the eighth inning. Great Britain lost the game 8-2.

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Giants’ prospects have solid day in 5-4 win over Guardians

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong #60 delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 10, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (John Medina Special to the Mercury News)

By Stephen Ruderman

GOODYEAR AZ–The Giants’ prospects showed their worth in San Francisco’s 5-4 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear AZ on Tuesday.

Drew Gilbert finally returned after missing two weeks due to a left shoulder impingement. He struck out swinging in his first at-bat in the top of the third inning. Though hey, he was a bit rusty, and he was up against Guardians’ ace, Tanner Bibee.

Gilbert grounded out in the top of the fourth, but he singled the other way to left in the top of the seventh. Not a bad return for the Giants’ eccentric young outfielder.

Speaking of Giants’ prospects who hit for contact and don’t strike out much, catcher Jesus Rodriguez was back in the lineup after his big 5-for-7 weekend. 

Rodriguez made a nice two-strike adjustment against Bibee, and lined a high fastball for a base-hit into left-center field in the top of the first. As center-fielder Steven Kwan went over to field it, Rodriguez decided to take a chance, and was able to hustle out a double.

Unfortunately, Rodriguez struck out his next two times. Still, his double in the first was quite impressive, and any team will love a guy who will do anything to take the extra 90 feet. The fight for the Giants’ backup catcher’s rule between Rodriguez and Daniel Susac will be an interesting one.

As for other big prospects, Bryce Eldridge, the biggest of them all, went 1-for-2 with a walk.

Seymour has strong four innings in first start:

Carson Seymour took the ball in his fourth appearance and first start of the spring.

Seymour gave up a run and just two hits over four innings. He walked one, and struck out three.

Birdsong has much-needed solid inning:

Hayden Birdsong pitched a much-needed scoreless inning in the bottom of the sixth.

It is no secret that the last seven and a half months have been a nightmare for Birdsong. After not being able to record a single out after facing six batters in his start against the Braves in Atlanta on July 21 of last year, Birdsong did not pitch again in the big leagues the rest of the season. 

To make matters worse, Birdsong’s struggles continued this spring. He gave up five runs over just a third of an inning to the Seattle Mariners when he started the Giants’ cactus league opener on Feb. 21 in Peoria. He then gave up three runs in a relief inning against the Colorado Rockies on Feb. 26 in Scottsdale. 

Birdsong made his first appearance in 13 days when he was brought in for the bottom of the sixth. It was no easy task, as he immediately had to face one of the best hitters in baseball in Steven Kwan. Birdsong got out to a quick 0-2 count, but Kwan worked the count full. Kwan then fouled off the next two, but Birdsong got him to ground out to second.

That was a big break for Birdsong, but he faced trouble when Bryan Rocchio immediately followed up Kwan’s strikeout with a double. Birdsong then faced another dangerous hitter in Jose Ramirez, and struck him out. Chase DeLauter grounded out to second, and Birdsong ended up with a scoreless inning.

When you come to the ballpark, you may see something you’ve never seen before:

You know the old saying. When you come to the ballpark, you may see something you’ve never seen before. Well the 4,844 in attendance here at Goodyear Ballpark had two such instances Tuesday.

The Giants had a runner at second in Jared Oliva with two outs in the top of the third with Jesus Rodriguez at the plate. Oliva broke for third, and the throw from Guardians’ catcher David Fry hit Rodriguez’s bat and went out of play.

Since Rodriguez had stood still in his place in the batter’s box, Home Plate Umpire Nic Lentz correctly did not call interference. Of course, since the throw ended up going out of play, Oliva was awarded home plate.

Now, had Rodriguez and/or his bat moved while Fry was throwing and the same thing happened, Rodriguez would have been called out for interference, and Oliva would have been returned to second base.

Then with one out and no one on in the top of the eighth, Grant McCray hit a ground ball that hit off the glove of Guardians’ first-baseman Juan Brito. The ball ricochetted over to pitcher Pedro Avila, who rolled over to the bag at first for one of the most incredible 3-1 putouts you will ever see. 

Even in Spring Training, you may see something you’ve never seen before when you came to the park. Tuesday, we were fortunate enough to see two of them.

Other notes:

  • The Giants scored two more unearned runs off Bibee in the top of the fourth.
  • Tyler Fitzgerald made it a three-run fourth for the Giants with a two-run home run down the left field line off Guardians’ reliever Steven Perez.