Theriot nails down starting role, Casilla update, etc.

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SAN DIEGO -- As if Ryan Theriot's performance didn't make it obvious, Giants manager Bruce Bochy officially pronounced the 32-year-old veteran his everyday second baseman.

"He's injected life into the top of the lineup," Bochy said of Theriot, who had three run-scoring hits Tuesday night to lift his average to .389 in 10 games since being activated from the disabled list.

Theriot has two doubles, a triple and five RBIs over that span. He also stole a base Tuesday night, and had another easily stolen but was tagged out when he over-slid second base.

Theriot's emergence as the club's No. 2 hitter means that Joaquin Arias stands to lose significant playing time when Pablo Sandoval returns from the disabled list on Tuesday. Arias, who has been a defensive dynamo as the everyday third baseman, is likely to be limited to playing shortstop against left-handers and making spot starts at three infield spots. He also could become a late-inning defensive replacement for Sandoval if he doesn't convince coaches that he's in better condition.

Bochy doesn't only love the way that Theriot is turning on every pitch. He also values the veteran's quirky sense of humor -- he wears muck boots to the shower -- and his steady presence in what remains a fairly young clubhouse.

Now that Theriot is occupying a more important role on the field, he'll have license to offer more leadership off it. The Giants have had a bit of a leadership vacuum among position players since the departure of Pat Burrell. Buster Posey is considered more of a quiet leader and Aubrey Huff hasn't embraced the role.

So Theriot fills a need.

"He brings life to the club. He brings energy," said Bochy, noting that Theriot has spent considerable time mentoring shortstop Brandon Crawford.

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In other pregame news, Santiago Casilla ran and took fielding practice on his bruised knee. Bochy listed him the same as Tuesday night: Available if absolutely necessary. Bochy confirmed that Sergio Romo is his closer for now, which is why he saved him for a save situation and threw Steve Edlefsen in the ninth inning of Tuesday night's loss. Bochy plans to let matchups dictate the late innings, though.

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It's Jeremy Affeldt's 33rd birthday and his teammates remembered. They thoughtfully assembled a care package that included adult diapers, beard dye, denture cream, a knee brace and, the coup de grace, a first-aid kit.

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