San Diego Padres vs San Francisco Giants Picks and Predictions April 29th 2025

Padres vs Giants Game Preview: Red-Hot Arms Highlight Division Battle

The San Diego Padres return to Petco Park Tuesday night, hoping to snap a four-game skid in dramatic fashion. And who better to call upon than their newest ace?

Nick Pivetta, a surprising early-season sensation, takes the mound in what might be one of the most anticipated pitcher’s duels of the season so far. On the other side, Logan Webb leads the first-place San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of a quick two-game series between NL West rivals.

This one promises heat, precision, and a playoff-like atmosphere—even in early May.

For matchup odds and player props, check the latest updates on the MLB odds page.

Nick Pivetta: From Afterthought to Ace

It’s hard to believe that Nick Pivetta didn’t even have a team three months before Opening Day. The Padres signed the righty on February 17, expecting a back-of-the-rotation innings-eater. Instead, they’ve found themselves a bona fide ace.

So far in 2025, Pivetta is 4-1 with a sparkling 1.20 ERA. Through 30 innings, he’s allowed just 16 hits and four earned runs, while striking out 30 and walking only seven. More impressively, he’s gone seven shutout innings in three of his five starts.

How did a career 56-71 pitcher with a 5.00 ERA makeover himself into an early Cy Young Award candidate?

“Just fill up the zone,” Pivetta said. “Let hitters get themselves out.”

Pitching coach Ruben Niebla made a small mechanical tweak—adjusting Pivetta’s position on the rubber—that has helped him locate more consistently. Combined with the pitcher-friendly confines of Petco Park, it’s been the perfect storm for his resurgence.

Even Padres manager Mike Shildt wasn’t expecting this level of dominance so soon. “He was at a sweet spot in his career when he signed,” Shildt said. “The experience is matching the stuff.”

A True Test: Pivetta vs San Francisco

Pivetta’s early magic will face a stern test in the form of the Giants’ lineup, which has fueled a 19-10 start and vaulted them into first place in the division.

In five prior appearances against San Francisco (two of them starts), Pivetta owns a 1-1 record and a 5.40 ERA. But this version of Pivetta, with better location, elevated velocity, and pitch sequencing, feels like a different beast.

To break down more historical pitcher vs. batter data, check the MLB team stats and matchups section.

Giants Riding Webb and Wilmer to the Top

If Pivetta has been one of 2025’s biggest pitching surprises, Logan Webb is simply doing what he always does—but better.

The Giants’ sinkerballer is 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA and a career-best strikeout rate, punching out 44 batters in 36.1 innings. In his last start, Webb spun 6 1/3 shutout innings in a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, showcasing pinpoint command and keeping hitters guessing with a strong mix of sinkers and changeups.

He’s pitched well against San Diego in the past too. In 14 career outings, Webb is 4-3 with a 2.90 ERA versus the Padres—numbers that reflect his ability to pitch to contact and induce groundballs in hitter-friendly parks.

Flores Continues to Rake

San Francisco’s offense has been fueled by one of the least flashy but most efficient hitters in baseball: Wilmer Flores. Heading into this series, he leads MLB with 28 RBIs, edging out even the likes of Aaron Judge.

What makes Flores dangerous isn’t raw power or exit velocity—it’s clutch timing and bat control. Giants manager Bob Melvin summed it up perfectly: “It doesn’t take 110 mph off the bat to impact the game. Wilmer shows that every night.”

Flores’ production, combined with Heliot Ramos’ hustle, Thairo Estrada’s speed, and Michael Conforto’s resurgence, has made the Giants’ lineup deeper and more dynamic than expected.

Get daily lineup notes and DFS picks via our MLB picks section.

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Petco Park Showdown: What’s at Stake?

While it’s only May, the implications are real.

For San Diego, this is about stopping the bleeding. The Padres have lost four straight and can’t afford to fall too far behind in a division where every win counts. Even with the Los Angeles Dodgers breathing down the necks of the Giants, San Diego’s current 1.5-game gap could widen quickly with a rough series here.

The Giants, meanwhile, are proving doubters wrong. Their depth, bullpen efficiency, and quiet veteran leadership are all converging at the right time—and if Logan Webb keeps dealing, they’ll remain on top.

These teams may only face off for two games this week, but the results could set the tone for the rest of the month.

For projections and advanced betting angles, consult the MLB expert betting guide.

Stat Breakdown: Padres vs Giants

FAQs

When is the Padres vs Giants game?
Tuesday night at Petco Park in San Diego. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET.

Who’s starting for the Padres and Giants?
Nick Pivetta starts for the Padres, Logan Webb for the Giants.

How has Pivetta been so good this year?
A mechanical adjustment and improved command have helped him post a 1.20 ERA through five starts.

Who’s hot for the Giants?
Wilmer Flores leads MLB in RBIs and continues to deliver in clutch spots.

What’s at stake in this series?
San Francisco is trying to stay atop the NL West, while San Diego looks to snap a four-game losing streak and stay within reach.

Where can I get picks for this game?
Check the MLB Picks page for expert analysis and daily updates.