Giants Face Dodgers with Marté and Skubal on the Mound

MLB Giants Face Dodgers with Marté and Skubal on the Mound

By Ben Gale

September 19, 2026 • 9:04 PM EDT

Updated 1 hours ago

Giants Face Dodgers with Marté and Skubal on the Mound

It’s Giants vs. Dodgers, round two in their late-season set, and there’s plenty at stake even if the records don’t line up. The Giants are coming off a tough loss on Friday but get another crack in LA tonight. With rookie right-hander Yunior Marté making just his fourth MLB appearance and only his second start, every pitch will have eyes on it. The Dodgers counter with the shiny late-summer trade acquisition and two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who’s already settled in at the top of LA’s loaded rotation.

This is a classic “show me” spot for Marté. He hasn’t picked up a decision yet, but in just 14.2 innings over three outings, he’s got a tidy 2.45 ERA, even if his FIP (4.87) suggests he’s dodged some trouble. He’s also walked almost as many as he’s struck out, so control is definitely one to watch. His last outing, though, was easily his best, tossing five shutout innings in relief against the Padres. If he brings even half that form to LA, it’ll give the Giants a fighting chance — but with LA’s deep lineup, that’s a huge ask.

According to Yahoo Sports, Skubal’s no easy nut to crack, fresh off seven scoreless frames versus the Reds. He’s struck out 173 and walked just 25 in 146.2 innings this season, keeping hitters mostly guessing. The Dodgers have won 94 already and need every win for playoff seeding, so there’s no room for let-up. Any bet on the Giants hinges on their offense finding a way to get to Skubal early or hoping Marté can keep LA at bay long enough for a bullpen steal.

If you’re just looking for lineup cards, here’s what both clubs rolled out. The Giants’ outfield leads off with Jonah Cox, then Turner Hill and Victor Bericoto. Jung Hoo Lee’s in right, Brett Harris at first, while Shay Whitcomb and Andrew Knizner man the hot corner and catching, respectively. Osleivis Basabe and Christian Koss round out the infield at second and short. Marté, the rookie, draws the tough assignment on the hill.

The Dodgers counter with big names all the way through. Mookie Betts opens at short, Freddie Freeman at first, and Will Smith behind the plate. Max Muncy anchors third, Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker patrol the corners of the outfield, Josue De Paula slots in as DH, and Tommy Edman and Alex Freeland finish up in center and at second. Skubal, the ace, is gunning for his 11th win of the year.

Yunior Marté gets just his second start after a strong relief outing against the Padres
Skubal leads the Dodgers with a sparkling 2.70 ERA and fresh off a dominance over the Reds
The Giants, at 64-90, are out of the playoff hunt, but youngsters are fighting for jobs
Dodgers at 94-60 still jockeying for postseason seeding, so they’re all in
Tonight’s game is #155 of the season for both sides
The game gets underway at 6:10 p.m. PT from Dodger Stadium, LA

Pitching Matchup: Youth vs. Experience

This duel is textbook. Marté is still getting his sea legs, but every inning against the Dodgers counts double for his development, not to mention for anyone betting on upset potential. He’ll need to keep the walks down and limit traffic; otherwise, this Dodgers lineup, with Betts and Freeman lurking early, could make it a short night.

For Skubal, it’s about business as usual. He’s gone deep in games all year and rarely gives freebies. Bettors should expect the Dodgers to be heavy favorites, and you’re really betting on whether Skubal keeps it clean for six or seven innings — which he usually does.

Why the Lineups Matter

Both managers are giving their regulars a run. The Giants don’t have much left to play for in the standings, but jobs and future roles are up for grabs. The Dodgers, meanwhile, want to stay sharp and keep the engine running into October. There’s value in watching how Marté attacks LA’s top order, especially Betts and Freeman, and whether Skubal’s dominance continues against an unproven Giants lineup.

Key Developments

Marté called up from AA straight to the MLB and now thrust into the Dodgers cauldron
Skubal’s trade to LA paying dividends, adding to an already deep rotation
Lineups feature plenty of young Giants, giving bettors some unpredictable upside
Both teams staying healthy and close to their full preferred batting orders

Key Takeaways

If you trust elite pitching, Skubal and Dodgers are the bet
Giants’ value lies in Marté limiting early damage for a possible bullpen knockout
Watch Marté’s walks: if they creep up, expect a Dodgers breakout
The Giants’ lineup lacks big power, so manufacturing runs is key
Tight games in LA are rare with these arms, expect dominance or blowout — not much in between
For live betting, monitor both starters’ early control and effectiveness
October seeding means Dodgers don’t rest stars, so they’ll press every edge
Marté’s development tonight gives the Giants a rare late-season watching angle