While the San Francisco Giants spent Thursday off after losing their opener to the New York Yankees on Wednesday night, they hope Robbie Ray can help change their fortunes.

On Friday afternoon at Oracle Park, Ray gets the starting nod for the Giants against the Yankees' Cam Schlittler. First pitch is set for 4:35 p.m. ET.

Schlittler posted a 4-3 record in 14 starts for the Yankees last season. He had a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts, walking 31 while striking out 84. Schlittler also put up a 1.22 WHIP.

As if Giants fans needed to be reminded, Wednesday night's Opening Night matchup against the Yankees didn't go the home team's way. Logan Webb wasn't throwing his best stuff and New York, behind Max Fried, shut down the Giants 7-0.

One thing that needs to change on Friday is getting off the goose egg and scoring some runs. The Giants have an offense capable of doing so, and first-year manager Tony Vitello probably would like to get his first MLB victory, too.

After Wednesday's game, the Giants' team batting average is an anemic .097. Their pitching staff holds a 6.00 ERA after that opener, too.

Last season, Ray posted an 11-8 record with a 3.65 ERA in 32 starts. Ray threw 182 1/3 innings and recorded 188 strikeouts, finishing with a 1.21 WHIP.

Ray has been a bit of a journeyman throughout his MLB career. He started back in 2014 with the Detroit Tigers, then spent five-plus seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2020, Ray split time between the Diamondbacks and the Toronto Blue Jays.

His stay with the Blue Jays ran until the 2022 season, when he spent two seasons pitching for the Seattle Mariners. In 2024, Ray joined the Giants' pitching staff. Back in 2023, though, Ray suffered a left flexor strain early and that put him on the shelf for most of the season.

Then, in 2024, a left hamstring strain cut his season short, too. But he came back healthy last season and, at this point, Ray looks in good shape.

Friday's game acts as the Giants' official Opening Day contest. On Saturday, fans that make their way to Oracle Park can take part in Willy Adames Bobblehead Day.

After the Yankees-Giants game wraps up on Saturday, San Francisco will have a very rare Sunday off. Then, the Giants head down the Southern California coast for a three-game series against the San Diego Padres.

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