New York Yankees vs San Francisco Giants: Opening Day lineup predictions - March 30 | MLB 2023

The New York Yankees are not very familiar with the San Francisco Giants. When the two teams square off against each other on March 30 for the first game of their respective seasons, it will be the first time since April 2019 that the two teams will meet.

Despite occupying different coasts and different leagues, the Yankees and the Giants have a bitter rivalry that stretches back to their first showdown in 1921, when the Giants were based in New York.

The Giants moved to San Francisco in 1954, and linked up with the New York Yankees in the 1962 World Series, losing to the Bronx Bombers in a scintillating seven-game series. After over 60 years, let's take a look at how these two teams might lineup when they go head-to-head at Yankee Stadium.

San Francisco Giants Opening Day lineup projection

1. 1B LaMonte Wade
2. 2B Thairo Estrada
3. LF Joc Pederson
4. CF Michael Conforto
5. SS Brandon Crawford
6. 3B David Pillar
7. DH JD Davis
8. RF Mike Yastrzemski
9. C Joey Bart

For the San Francisco Giants, gone are the days when the team ruled their division, the NL West. The division has belonged to the Los Angeles Dodgers for the past decade, and the San Diego Padres look to be knocking on the door as well.

Former New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto will be back in the MLB for the first time since the 2021 season. Conforto hit .232./.344/.384 with the Mets two years ago before declaring free agency and electing to sit out the 2022 season.

Brandon Crawford is day-to-day but looks ready for Opening Day. The 36-year-old shortstop put up some of the worst numbers of his career in 2022, and may retire after his two-year deal expires at the end of the year.

"With Brandon Crawford's knee issues cropping up again, Kruk and Kuip express concern over his future." - KNBR

The projected starter for the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day is Logan Webb, who amassed a 2022 record of 15-9, with an ERA of 2.90.

New York Yankees Opening Day lineup projection

1. 2B Gleyber Torres
2. RF Aaron Judge
3. 1B Anthony Rizzo
4. DH Giancarlo Stanton
5. 3B Josh Donaldson
6. SS Anthony Volpe
7. CF Rafael Ortega
8. C Jose Trevino
9. LF Oswaldo Cabrera

Despite being one of the most potent teams in baseball, manager Aaron Boone still has some ironing to do before Opening Day.

With center fielder Harrison Bader set to miss the start of the season. Rafael Ortega, a veteran Venezuelan, may get the nod to replace him, despite only entering into a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees in January. Ortega hit .241/.331/.358 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs as a member of the Chicago Cubs in 2022.

2019 first overall draft pick Anthony Volpe is also looking increasingly likely to take over the shortstop position. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who came to the Yankees from the Minnesota Twins last year to play shortstop, hit only .248 with four home runs last year, damaging his credibility with fans.

"The New York City streets when Anthony Volpe’s left off the opening day roster" - @PlayoffTanaka_

Although Volpe could also play second base, it looks likely that the position belongs to DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres, who may be used interchangeably.

Although some were hoping to see Carlos Rodon, a former Giant who signed with the New York Yankees this offseason, he will be out of the lineup with a forearm strain.

Nestor Cortes Jr. is the projected starter for the New York Yankees. The Cuban-born pitcher posted a 2.44 ERA in 28 starts with the New York Yankees last season.