CINCINNATI -- On a day that's treated like a local holiday, two of the National League's oldest franchises will come together Thursday to open the 2025 season when the Reds host the Giants at Great American Ball Park.
Cincinnati, which is home of baseball's first professional club, hired likely future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona in October after recording a disappointing 77-85 record in 2024. It also retooled the roster with multiple additions -- including starting pitcher Brady Singer, infielder Gavin Lux and outfielder Austin Hays -- with the hope of contending for the NL Central title.
San Francisco, which finished last season 80-82, also was not idle in the offseason. Franchise icon Buster Posey took over its baseball operations and shortstop Willy Adames was signed to a seven-year, $182 million contract. Another addition, likely future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, joined the rotation on a one-year deal.
The Giants last reached the postseason in 2021, while it has been since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season for the Reds. Both teams are aiming to get back to October baseball, and the journey to get there begins Thursday.
Here is everything you need to know for Opening Day.
When is the game and how can I watch it?
First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 PT. In the Cincinnati market, the game will be on FanDuel Sports Ohio and simulcast on WXIX Fox 19. The radio call is on 700 WLW AM and the Reds Radio Network. For San Francisco, the game will be carried on NBC Sports Bay Area and the radio call is on 680 KNBR (English) and 1510 AM KSFN (Spanish). The game is also available to stream on MLB.TV and on GIANTS.TV for local fans.
What are the lineups?
Giants: The Giants have committed to using LaMonte Wade Jr. in the leadoff spot and having Jung Hoo Lee hit in the heart of the order against right-handers, so they¡¯ll stick with that look against Hunter Greene on Thursday.
- LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B
- Willy Adames, SS
- Jung Hoo Lee, CF
- Matt Chapman, 3B
- Heliot Ramos, LF
- Patrick Bailey, C
- Wilmer Flores, DH
- Mike Yastrzemski, RF
- Tyler Fitzgerald, 2B
Reds: Francona was relatively consistent with his top four in the order when the regulars played in spring games, so Elly De La Cruz should continue to hit behind Matt McLain beyond Openeing Day. That could create some excitement on the bases and the potential to score runs.
- TJ Friedl, CF
- Matt McLain, 2B
- Elly De La Cruz, SS
- Gavin Lux, LF
- Jeimer Candelario, 3B
- Spencer Steer, DH
- Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B
- Jake Fraley, RF
- Jose Trevino, C
Who are the starting pitchers?
Giants: For the fourth consecutive year, the Giants will hand the ball to Logan Webb, who finished sixth in National League Cy Young voting after going 13-10 with a 3.47 ERA over a NL-high 204 2/3 innings in 2024. The 28-year-old right-hander has made six career appearances against the Reds, going 2-2 with a 1.64 ERA over 33 innings.
Reds: For the second time in three years, the Reds are going with Hunter Greene as their Opening Day starter. Greene, who was eighth in NL Cy Young voting, finished 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 150 1/3 innings over 26 starts last season. He was tied for the NL lead among starting pitchers with 6.2 WAR. Greene's track record vs. the Giants is limited but impressive: 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA, two walks and 17 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings over two starts.
How might the bullpens line up after the starter?
Giants: Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers will be the top options to serve as a bridge to closer Ryan Walker, though Erik Miller -- the lone southpaw in the bullpen -- should also be ready to face any tough left-handed hitters late in games.
Reds: This has gotten complicated. Closer Alexis D¨ªaz struggled in camp and is now opening the season on the injured list (left hamstring). Francona hasn't named a closer, but anybody from Scott Barlow to Taylor Rogers (Tyler¡¯s twin brother) could be options. Cincinnati has three left-handers in Rogers, Brent Suter and Sam Moll, while the other right-handers are Graham Ashcraft, Emilio Pag¨¢n, Tony Santillan and Ian Gibaut.
Any injuries of note?
Giants: Jerar Encarnacion suffered a left hand fracture while attempting to make a diving catch in right field last week, which is likely to sideline him for four to five weeks. With Encarnacion expected to open the season on the injured list, the Giants will likely lean on Wilmer Flores to take the majority of at-bats at the DH spot.
Reds: Besides D¨ªaz, the Reds are missing two key hitters from their lineup in catcher Tyler Stephenson (left oblique) and infielder Spencer Steer (right shoulder). Both could be ready sometime in April, but the rest of the lineup will have to pick up the slack.
Who¡¯s hot and who¡¯s not?
Giants: Chapman batted .421 (16-for-38) with a 1.395 OPS and a team-high six home runs over 15 Cactus League games this spring. Walker, meanwhile, posted a 4.70 ERA over eight Cactus League outings while dealing with a dip in velocity, though manager Bob Melvin said the Giants aren¡¯t concerned by those results.
Reds: De La Cruz led the club in spring with four homers while batting .409 (18-for-44) with a 1.292 OPS and 12 RBIs. Greene led Reds pitchers in spring with 29 strikeouts. On the other hand, Fraley batted .167 (7-for-42) with one homer in spring, while Moll gave up 12 hits and seven walks in only 7 2/3 innings with an 11.74 ERA.
Anything else fans might want to know?
? The Giants have had 18 left fielders in their last 18 Opening Day lineups, a remarkable run that began with Barry Bonds¡¯ final season in 2007. That streak seems destined to stay alive this year, as Ramos appears in line to get the starting nod in left on Thursday.
? De La Cruz is starting at shortstop on Opening Day for the second straight year after the Reds had eight shortstops start from 2017-24. Zack Cozart (2012-17) was the last shortstop to play in consecutive openers.
? Thursday will mark the Reds' 149th home Opening Day game and their 23rd at Great American Ball Park.