Giants lineup for Game 2 vs. Diamondbacks features Devers at DH, Marte on mound

The San Francisco Giants' lineup for the second game of their series against Arizona features Rafael Devers at designated hitter, Bryce Eldridge at first base, Jung Hoo Lee in right field, and Shay Whitcomb at third base, with right-hander Yunior Marte starting on the mound, per Susan Slusser.

What happened

Slusser posted the Giants' Game 2 lineup card Saturday. Jonah Cox leads off in center field, followed by Devers as the DH and Eldridge at first. Lee bats fourth in right, Whitcomb fifth at third, Andrew Knizner sixth behind the plate, Grant McCray seventh in left, Osleivis Basabe eighth at second, and Christian Koss ninth at shortstop. Marte gets the ball.

The configuration places Devers in the lineup without a defensive assignment and slots Eldridge at first base, a position he has occupied regularly this season. Lee returns to right field after missing time earlier in the year, while Whitcomb takes the hot corner. Marte, a right-hander, draws the start in the second game of the set against the Diamondbacks.

Why it matters

The lineup reflects the Giants' personnel deployment in the final month of a season that has long since slipped from contention. At 59-84, San Francisco sits fourth in the National League West, 26.5 games behind the division leader, and 16.0 games out of the Wild Card cut line. The club was eliminated from the division race and now plays out the string with an eye toward evaluation and development.

Devers' presence at DH allows the Giants to keep his bat in the order while giving him a day off defensively. Eldridge's assignment to first base continues his work at the position as the organization assesses his long-term fit. Lee's return to the outfield marks another step in his integration into the everyday lineup after his absence. Whitcomb's start at third provides a look at his versatility across the infield.

Marte's turn in the rotation gives the Giants a chance to evaluate his readiness for a larger role. The right-hander has worked primarily in relief and spot-start duty, and outings like this one offer the front office data on his stamina, command, and ability to navigate a lineup multiple times.

Where the club stands

The Giants enter the weekend 59-84, a .413 winning percentage that places them fourth in the NL West and well out of the playoff picture. They rank 11th in the National League Wild Card race, 16.0 games behind the third Wild Card spot. San Francisco carries a one-game winning streak into the second game of the Arizona series.

The schedule ahead takes the Giants to Atlanta on Monday, August 31, where Anthony Molina is the probable starter opposite the Braves' Bryce Elder. San Francisco then travels to Pittsburgh for a two-game set beginning Tuesday, September 1, with Logan Webb facing Paul Skenes, followed by Landen Roupp against Bubba Chandler on Wednesday, September 2.

The roster expands to 28 players on September 1, per league rules, giving the Giants additional flexibility to audition prospects and rest regulars down the stretch. The final month of the season serves as an extended evaluation period for a club that has been eliminated from contention and now focuses on building toward the next season.

What we don't know yet

The report does not specify whether the lineup represents a one-game configuration or a broader shift in the Giants' deployment. Devers' role as DH could be a rest day or a longer-term assignment to manage his workload. Eldridge's presence at first base may signal a permanent move or simply reflect the matchup against Arizona's pitching.

Marte's start does not clarify his role going forward. The right-hander could be auditioning for a rotation spot next spring or filling a gap in the current staff. The Giants have not announced a plan for his usage beyond this outing.

Lee's return to right field does not come with a timetable for his workload or any indication of how the club will manage his playing time over the final weeks. Whitcomb's start at third base similarly leaves open the question of whether he will see regular action there or continue to move around the infield.

The Giants have not disclosed the reasoning behind the specific batting order or defensive alignment. Cox's placement at the top of the order and Koss at the bottom may reflect performance-based decisions or simply the available personnel for this particular game.

What to watch

Marte's performance will draw attention as the Giants assess his viability as a starter. His ability to work deep into the game, limit hard contact, and maintain his stuff through multiple trips through the order will inform the club's offseason planning. A strong outing could position him for a rotation spot in spring training; a short leash might confirm his future in the bullpen.

Devers' production at DH offers a window into how the Giants might deploy him when they want to keep his bat in the lineup while managing his defensive workload. Eldridge's work at first base continues to build the case for his long-term home, and Lee's at-bats in right field provide another data point on his readiness to handle everyday duty.

The Giants' final month will feature more lineups like this one: a mix of veterans, prospects, and players auditioning for roles next spring. The roster expansion on September 1 will bring additional faces into the clubhouse, and the schedule against Atlanta and Pittsburgh will test the depth the front office has assembled.

Cox's performance at the top of the order bears watching as well. Leading off in center field, he sets the table for the middle of the lineup and provides a glimpse of his ability to get on base and create opportunities. His at-bats against Arizona's pitching will add to the body of work the Giants are compiling on their younger players.

The second game against Arizona is one more step in a long evaluation process that will shape the offseason ahead. With the division race long settled and the Wild Card out of reach, the Giants are playing for information. Every lineup card, every start, every defensive alignment feeds into the decisions the front office will make when the calendar turns and the focus shifts to building a more competitive roster.