The San Francisco Giants are rolling to start the 2025 campaign, currently boasting the best record in Major League Baseball with an impressive 8-1 start. This marks the Giants' best opening since 2003, a feat that has surprised many, especially considering oddsmakers predicted them to finish at the bottom of the NL West just weeks ago.
Manager Bob Melvin has been at the helm during this unexpected surge, but he may need to rethink his ninth-inning co-closer experiment. So far this season, Melvin has utilized both Ryan Walker and Camilo Doval in save situations, but the arrangement has faced challenges. Walker was unavailable for some games, including one against the Cincinnati Reds due to back tightness, and was also not available during the Giants' recent game against the Seattle Mariners due to having pitched in the previous two contests.
On April 6, 2025, Doval took the mound in a one-run game in the ninth inning but blew the save after allowing one run. Fortunately for the Giants, they managed to walk off with a victory, scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth for their second walk-off win in three games. Doval's outing marked his worst of the season, as he surrendered two hits and issued two walks—the first two free passes he had given up this year. While he managed to escape the ninth without further damage, this performance raised concerns reminiscent of his struggles in the previous season, where he posted a career-worst 4.88 ERA over 59 innings.
In 2024, Doval converted 23 of his 28 save opportunities but lost the closer role to Walker primarily due to his inconsistency with command, having walked 39 batters in those 59 innings. However, he had shown promise in spring training and early in the regular season, suggesting a return to form. Despite his recent struggles, Doval has recorded two saves this season, both in less pressured situations with a three-run lead in the ninth inning.
Melvin may need to consider a more structured co-closer approach, where Walker handles tighter situations with one or two-run leads, while Doval could be brought in for games with a three or four-run cushion. This strategy would also help manage Walker's workload, as he pitched 80 innings in 2024. The Giants have two legitimate closer options, and how Melvin manages these late-inning arms will be crucial as the season progresses.
The Giants are currently riding a seven-game winning streak and are looking to maintain their momentum as they face the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series starting on April 7, 2025. The Reds, under new manager Terry Francona, have struggled this season, currently sitting at 3-7 and having lost five of their last six games. This series presents an opportunity for the Giants to build on their success against a team that has yet to find its footing.
In their first matchup during the season opener, the Giants took two of three from the Reds, sandwiching wins of 6-4 and 6-3 around their only loss. The pitching matchup for the rematch will see right-handers Hunter Greene (0-1, 2.25 ERA) for the Reds and Logan Webb (1-0, 3.00 ERA) for the Giants. Greene outpitched Webb in the opener, allowing just two runs and three hits while striking out eight in five innings. Webb, who left the game trailing, will be looking to improve on his performance and secure a win against a team that has historically given him trouble.
The Giants have shown resilience, coming back from a 3-2 deficit in their opening game against the Reds, scoring four runs in the ninth inning to secure the victory. Patrick Bailey produced a game-tying RBI single with two outs before Wilmer Flores belted a three-run homer, showcasing the Giants' late-game heroics that have become a hallmark of their play this season.
As the Giants continue their homestand, they are not only aiming to extend their winning streak but also to solidify their position atop the NL West. The Dodgers and Padres, both competitive teams, are also vying for the top spot, making every game count in this early part of the season.
Looking ahead, the Giants will face a tough test when they travel to New York to take on the Yankees on April 11, 2025. This matchup will be the first time this season that the Giants face a team with a winning record, providing a clearer picture of their standing in the league.
For now, the Giants are enjoying their time at the top, reveling in their unexpected success and the thrill of being the best team in baseball. With a payroll significantly lower than their rivals, the Giants are proving that teamwork and strategy can triumph over star power.
As they prepare for the upcoming series against the Reds, the Giants are focused on maintaining their winning ways and continuing to surprise the naysayers. The baseball world is watching, and the Giants are ready to show that their early success is no fluke.
