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Giants End 19-Year Left-Field Shuffle as Heliot Ramos Starts Second Straight Opener

The choice signals a shift toward stability in left field despite lingering defensive concerns.

Overview

  • Heliot Ramos started in left field against the Yankees on Wednesday, the Giants’ first consecutive Opening Day starter at that spot since Barry Bonds in 2007.
  • He kept the role after posting 21 home runs, 69 RBIs, and a .256 average in 2025 across roughly 620 at-bats.
  • Defensive lapses remain an issue after a minus-11 Outs Above Average in 2025, a Statcast metric that tracks how often fielders turn balls in play into outs.
  • San Francisco added Gold Glove center fielder Harrison Bader and shifted Jung Hoo Lee to right, moves Ramos said should sharpen communication and cover more ground.
  • The Giants entered 2026 without a set closer, with Buster Posey describing a fluid plan and Ryan Walker positioned as the leading candidate to reclaim the ninth inning.