McCutchen to debut in Cactus League opener

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Giants' outfield will be the area to watch in the early innings of the team's Cactus League opener Friday against a Milwaukee Brewers split squad.
Hunter Pence will make his Giants debut in left field. Andrew McCutchen will inherit Pence's previous spot in right field. They'll flank center fielder Steven Duggar, who's striving to prove that he merits a spot on the Opening Day squad, if not the lineup.
• Spring Training information
They'll probably play only a few innings, but they'll be watched closely.
Ty Blach, a favorite to claim one of the two vacancies in the starting rotation, will lead the parade of available pitchers that will include Tyler Cyr, Andrew Suárez, Pierce Johnson, D.J. Snelten and Madison Younginer.

:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::
"I'm definitely excited to get the ball," Blach said Thursday. "It doesn't matter what it is -- first game of the regular season, first game of Spring Training, playoffs, whatever -- it's just always exciting to get the season going and kick it off."
• Though right-hander Jeff Samardzija hasn't been assigned a start, there's nothing wrong with him physically. Giants manager Bruce Bochy is simply taking his time throwing Samardzija into the mix. He's scheduled to throw live batting practice to hitters Friday.
• The star quality at Giants camp went off the charts Thursday. Willie Mays showed up for his annual visit.