SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.Its going from likely to obvious thatFreddy Sanchez will start the season on the disabled list. And at least for themoment, the rest of the Giants middle infield is in pretty bad shape, too.
Emmanuel Burriss (right hamstring) and Ryan Theriot (rolledankle) were not on the travel list for tonights exhibition against theColorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. Both players sustained minor injuriesWednesday and were given rest as a precaution, although manager Bruce Bochyexpected them to be available on Friday. Also, shortstop Brandon Crawford wassent home sick.
As for Freddy Sanchez, he still hasnt taken infieldpractice this week and there remains no timetable to get into a game at secondbase. Sanchez merely got at-bats as a DH in minor league camp , anddidnt look so good, either.
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Bochy confirmed that Sanchez wouldnt make the opening-dayroster if all he can do is pinch hit.
Thats fair to say, sure, Bochy said. Now, a lot dependson how close he is. But if he cant go out there and play defense, the bestthing to do is let him start on the DL and let him get ready to play secondbase. Its a lot easier to do that by sending him (on rehab assignment) to(Triple-A) Fresno.
In other pregame news, Ryan Vogelsong will pitch his inningon Thursday, not Saturday, and its going to be in minor league camp. Pablo Sandoval,who is in a rut at the plate, will go down to get more at-bats in minor leaguecamp, too.
Heres tonights lineup:
San Francisco Giants
CF Angel Pagan
LF Melky Cabrera
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Aubrey Huff
RF Nate Schierholtz
SS Joaquin Arias
2B Mike Fontenot
C Eli Whiteside
P Brian Burres
Youll notice Schierholtz (strained right forearm) is backout there. The Giants brought up Joe Panik to be available as a backupinfielder, even though he already played in a game on the minor league side inthe afternoon. Im sure he doesnt mind.
Panik was honored along with other minor league awardwinners today because he was 21 for 21 last season at driving in a runner fromthird base with less than two outs. How very un-Giantlike of him.