ASTROS-GIANTS PREVIEW
Important factors that could give Astros the edge in series opener against Giants
Mar 31, 2025, 10:24 am
Ronel Blanco takes the hill for Houston. Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images.
San Francisco Giants (2-1) vs. Houston Astros (2-1)
Houston; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
Pitching Probables:
Giants: Jordan Hicks (0-0)
Astros: Ronel Blanco (0-0)
BetMGM Sportsbook Line: Astros -124, Giants +104; over/under is 8 1/2 runs
Series opener preview
The Houston Astros kick off a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 2-1 records after securing series wins to open the season.
Houston, coming off an 88-73 season in 2024, looks to build on its early success at Daikin Park. The Astros were strong at home last year, posting a 46-35 record while averaging 4.6 runs per game. Their pitching staff held opponents to 4.0 runs per game, a key factor in their success.
San Francisco, after an 80-82 season in 2024, is aiming for a stronger campaign. The Giants posted a sub-.500 road record (38-43) last year but showcased a solid offensive approach with a .396 slugging percentage and .701 OPS as a team.
The series opener will feature a matchup between Houston’s Ronel Blanco and San Francisco’s Jordan Hicks, both making their season debuts on the mound. Blanco is looking to solidify his spot in the Astros' rotation, while Hicks transitions from a bullpen role to a starter for the Giants.
Here's a sneak peek at tonight's lineup.
Stros Monday.
⚾️: 7:10 PM
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#TheNextFrontier x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/e5aKUro9NP
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 31, 2025
Injury Report
Houston is dealing with several injuries, with key pitchers Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, and J.P. France all on the injured list. The Giants are also without catcher Tom Murphy (back) and outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (finger).
With both teams seeking to build momentum early in the season, this series could provide an early glimpse into their respective playoff aspirations.
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Jose Altuve has passed Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell for second place on the career hits list for the Houston Astros.
With a bunt single in the first inning and a two-run single in the sixth on Wednesday night at Colorado, Altuve raised his career total to 2,315 hits, one more than Bagwell. Hall of Famer Craig Biggio is the franchise leader with 3,060 career hits.
You can relive the big moment in the video below!
He does it!
Jose Altuve is now 2nd in the Astros all time hit list. pic.twitter.com/ZNJVGcTjWp
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 3, 2025
Altuve, a nine-time All-Star who moved this season from second base to left field, is in his 15th major league season, all with Houston. Both Biggio and Bagwell also spent their entire careers with the Astros.
Among active players, Altuve is second in career hits behind Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who had 2,351 entering Wednesday.
Altuve caught up with MLB.com's Brian McTaggart after the game.
Jose Altuve got a congratulatory text message postgame from Jeff Bagwell after passing him on the Astros’ all-time hits list. pic.twitter.com/KtKk28SZEt
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 3, 2025
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