San Francisco Giants Go to East Coast to Take on Fish

Game 3: Matt Cain (2015 debut) vs. Jose Fernandez (2015 debut)

Mar 29, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain (18) on the mound during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Although still listed officially as TBD, all signs point to Cain making his season debut on Thursday, barring any unforeseen, last-minute setbacks. Cain last pitched in the Majors on July 9th of last year, marking his 2015 debut as just one week shy of a full year away from a Major league mound.

Cain won just two games last season, but one came against the Marlins. Although he allowed four runs in 7.2 innings, his offense backed him up with six runs to earn him a hard-fought victory, well-deserved after all the “Cainings” through the years.

Giants’ fans have waited a long time to see Cain pitch in a meaningful game again. Any Giants’ fans in attendance at Marlins Park should give Cain a resounding ovation to welcome him back.

July 2nd, 2015, will be the day of the return. Not only is Cain returning from a long injury stint, but so is Fernandez, the Marlins’ ace. The 2013 Rookie of the Year pitched in just eight games in 2014 before being forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. He last pitched on May 9th, and will have waited 419 days by the time Thursday’s series finale rolls around.

In 36 career starts, Fernandez is 16-8 with a 2.25 ERA and 0.972 WHIP. He’s pitched basically a full season, part of another, and then missed more than a full year following the surgery. He’s still just 22 years old.

If San Francisco fans give Cain a welcome back, expect that to be nothing compared to the reaction to Fernandez. He is the future of Marlins, and his return will be a big shot in the arm.

Next: Game Three