Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers manager announced the Giants’ starting pitcher before his San Francisco counterpart.
Among the trends of this weird season will be the Giants protecting their secrets, turning their rotation into a guessing game. The game was ended by Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts mentioning Friday afternoon he crafted his lineup against Tyler Anderson. A few minutes thereafter, the Giants announced the lefty indeed would start.
It only registers as a surprise to those who haven’t been paying attention. No, Anderson was not expected to be the No. 2 starter, but Drew Smyly wasn’t expected to come in out of relief Thursday, either. The Giants were going to do strange things with their staff even before this season was constructed around a three-week summer training. Without pitchers built up and with reason to hide their starter until the last second, the Giants will keep arms close to the vest.
The Giants want to build up Anderson, sure, but, “We think he gives us a great chance to win,” Gabe Kapler said on a Zoom from Dodger Stadium on Friday.
It will be Anderson’s first start since May 3, 2019, when the then-Rockies starter allowed six runs in four innings. He underwent knee surgery in June.
Anderson starting means Jeff Samardzija will not be starting. Kapler said the coaching staff stays in constant contact with the pitching staff, who they are asking to be flexible.
Here’s the lineup against Los Angeles righty Ross Stripling:
1. Mike Yastrzemski, CF
2. Wilmer Flores, 3B
3. Pablo Sandoval, 1B
4. Alex Dickerson, DH
5. Joe McCarthy, LF
6. Mauricio Dubón, 2B
7. Brandon Crawford, SS
8. Jaylin Davis, RF
9. Rob Brantly, C
Without Billy Hamilton and with Alex Dickerson at DH, the Giants don’t have a fourth lefty outfielder. Why Davis over Austin Slater, Darin Ruf or Mauricio Dubon?
“Davis has some reverse splits going on. Stripling has some reverse splits going on,” Kapler said, meaning Davis has hit righties better. “The combination of those two things made Jaylin a good option. Additionally, we really want to get Jaylin going and want to build some confidence for him.”