Blanco hits, but then sits

Might be tough to name a more valuable fourth outfielder over the past several years than Gregor Blanco.

Blanco, 32, has provided speed, defense and hot streaks, and produced when needed most, starting in left field throughout the 2012 postseason after replacing the drug-suspended Melky Cabrera and center field in the 2014 postseason after replacing the injured Angel Pagan.

Last year, Blanco hit a careerhigh .291 with a .368 on-base percentage, and he’s succeeding when summoned this year. He started in left Saturday and in center Sunday, collected two hits each game and is hitting .375 as a starter.

On Monday night, he was back on the bench.

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot since I’ve been here,” Blanco said. “I feel I can play every day. At the same time, I know my job, and my job right now is to be a fourth outfielder. I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished since I’ve been here and also of winning the confidence of( Bruce) Bochy to put me in tough situations and a tough game.”

Speaking of which, of Blanco’s five starts, three were against Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Jose Fernandez.

“I’ve gone through a lot in my career,” Blanco said. “Any situation or opportunity that I’m in to prove myself and help my teammates, I will. I never take anything for granted anymore. Maybe when I was younger. Not anymore.”

A free agent after the season, Blanco probably could find a starting spot elsewhere but said, “I just don’t see myself leaving here. I want to stay here.” Briefly: Bochy said reliever Sergio Romo will begin throwing Friday and that George Kontos, who was placed on the disabled list Tuesday, won’t return immediately after the minimum 15-day down time. “Probably another two weeks,” Bochy said. “Sergio, even longer.” Both have flexor strains in their elbows. … Bochy said if he needs an emergency pitcher, it would be Conor Gillaspie. Emergency catcher, Kelby Tomlinson. Emergency outfielder, Jeff Samardijza or Javier Lopez. Of course, Bochy would prefer none of the above.