Series Preview: SF Giants vs. Rangers - Return of the King

The SF Giants host Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers this weekend, marking the first time that Bochy will face San Francisco since his return to managing.

Cue the champagne and banners, because for the first time since he hung up the (managerial) cleats in 2019, Bruce Bochy is back on the field in San Francisco. This time, though, he'll be roaming the visiting dugout alongside the Texas Rangers, the Giants' next foe.

It'll be the first time since 2006 - when Bochy was the Padres' skipper - that the Giants will face off against the thick-headed Frenchman. Between now and then, the three World Series titles that Bochy piloted the upstart Giants to have earned him a degree of respect in San Francisco that may match Mays and McCovey. The Rangers could come into town and thump the G-Men 15-0 in each game, and Bochy would still probably get a standing ovation as he walks off the field for the last time.

A rout of that magnitude is a legitimate possibility given that the Rangers have been the league's most potent offense this year, averaging nearly six runs per game. After going all-in on star free agents like Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, their investment has been amply rewarded, with the pair combining for 10.1 wins above replacement already this year. They have six regulars with at least 250 at-bats and an OPS over .800, and another (SS Ezequiel Duran) just missing the cut despite batting .277 with 14 long balls.

What's kept them at the top of the league, though, is a surprisingly effective starting pitching staff. Nathan Eovaldi is having a career year, and Texas' pitching coaches have rescued Jon Gray from Colorado and have him on track for his best season yet, too. Even though the decision to sign Jacob DeGrom in the offseason for $30 million has largely backfired, the Rangers backed up their commitment to star talent by trading for Max Scherzer, who will give them premium punch in the postseason. And with their four most-used relievers (including old friend Will Smith) combining for a 3.20 ERA this season, Bochy has the tools and know-how to make beating this team an absolute nightmare.

The Giants, though, have held their record against >.500 teams this year as their calling card, going 29-24 (.547) against winning teams in 2023. While it's not an overwhelming record, it still beats out top contenders like the Rays, Astros, and Brewers. And they still have Wilmer Flores hitting like an absolute beast (1.179 OPS in the last 30 days), and a day off gives them plenty of ammo ahead of a bullpen start before they deploy co-aces Logan Webb and Alex Cobb. With their recent struggles, the Giants could easily get swept at home, but they have a real shot at stealing a series from the top-tier Rangers. In 2023, anything's possible.

Series Details

Who: SF Giants vs. Texas Rangers
Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California
When: August 11-13, Friday (7:15 PM),  Saturday (6:05 PM), Sunday (1:05 PM). All times Pacific.

Giants' current streak: L2, 5-5 in last 10. 62-53 overall, 2nd place in NL West (6.5 GB)

Rangers' current streak: L1, 8-2 in last 10. 68-47 overall, 1st place in AL West

Projected starters

Friday: Scott Alexander*,** (6-2, 4.01 ERA) vs. Jon Gray (7-5, 3.72 ERA)

Saturday: Alex Cobb (6-3, 3.30 ERA) vs. Andrew Heany (9-6, 4.14 ERA)

Sunday: Logan Webb (9-9, 3.38 ERA) vs. Dane Dunning (9-4, 3.21 ERA)

*Indicates LHP

**Indicates opener

How to watch, listen

• SF Giants broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area (except Friday), KNBR 680/1510 AM
• Opposing broadcast: Bally Sports Southwest (except Friday), KRLD 1080/1270 AM
• National broadcasts: Apple TV+ (Friday only)
• Live stream: fuboTV (start your free trial)