Crawford eager to return

CINCINNATI — Brandon Crawford wasn’t on the Giants’ flight to New York because the Gold Glove shortstop is going on a rehab assignment at Double-A Richmond.

Crawford still hopes to rejoin his teammates in the upcoming three-game series against the Mets, and it’s possible the rehab assignment could last just one day.

“If I feel fine one game,” he said, “there’s no reason to play another one.”

The struggling Giants would love to have Crawford back ASAP, but patience can be a virtue with groin strains, and manager Bruce Bochy isn’t ruling out a longer stint with Richmond. The last thing the team needs is for Crawford to aggravate the injury.

“If he doesn’t feel like he’s quite ready to go three, four days in a row (with the Giants), we’ll probably leave him there,” Bochy said.

Crawford, who’s on the disabled list for the first time in his career, is scheduled to play six innings and bat third Monday. Afterward, he’ll check with the Giants’ medical department, and it’ll be determined where he plays next.

Crawford strained his groin April 29 rounding first base. He was eligible to be activated Saturday, but wet grounds delayed his on-field rehab work Friday — including running the bases — and the next goal was to play Monday in New York.

He took extensive infield practice Saturday, including off-balance throwing, and got more infield work Sunday. He said he has no problems batting. Briefly: In the Reds series, the Giants’ first three hitters in the lineup were 2-for-33 . ... Buster Posey had four of the Giants’ 16 hits . ... The Giants were outhomered in the three games 5-1, Christian Arroyo hitting their lone blast.