The San Francisco Giants and Athletics kick off spring training Saturday in Arizona. The Giants take on the Texas Rangers and the A’s face off against the San Diego Padres. Here’s how you can catch the action — including watching the A’s for free.
Giants vs. Rangers
When: Saturday, Feb. 22 at 12:05 p.m. PT
Where: Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona.
Live action: There is no video broadcast of the game, but it can be heard on KNBR.
Manager Bob Melvin announced Thursday that right-hander Landen Roupp would start the game for the Giants. Roupp, 26, had a 3.58 earned-run average as a rookie last season.
Saturday’s game may also be the debut of shortstop Willy Adames in orange and black after he signed a seven-year, $182 million deal to join the Giants in December. The contract is the biggest in club history for a position player.
The Giants will see a familiar face in the opposing dugout, as Bruce Bochy is entering his third season managing the Rangers. In his first season, Texas won the World Series. Last year, they missed the playoffs, just like the Giants each of the last three seasons.
A’s vs. Padres
When: Saturday, Feb. 22 at 12:10 p.m. PT
Where: Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona.
Live action: Stream on MLB.tv (Free Game of the Day.)
The A’s are kicking off their first season since abandoning the Oakland Coliseum for Sutter Health Park near Sacramento on their way to a new home in Las Vegas.
After showing some positive signs last season, the A’s hope their rebuild continues on a positive trajectory as they signed right-hander Luis Severino to the biggest free-agent contract in team history. They also extended veteran outfielder Brent Rooker on a five-year, $60 million contract this offseason.