Crawford return delayed

NEW YORK — Brandon

Crawford’s rehab assignment will last at least another day.

The Giants’ shortstop played six innings for Double-A Richmond on Monday and went 1-for-3 with a double, after which manager Bruce Bochy said Crawford will play again Tuesday, this time seven innings.

“We feel he needs another day,” Bochy said.

Initially, Crawford, who has a groin strain and hasn’t played a big-league game since April 25, was hoping to return to the Giants after one rehab game.

Without Crawford, Christian

Arroyo and Eduardo Nuñez have shared shortstop. Arroyo, who played short Monday, will stick in the majors when Crawford comes back.

“The way he’s playing,” Bochy said, “we’re going to have to find a place for him.”

Third base, in other words. Span status: Center fielder Denard Span will begin a rehab assignment with Class A San Jose on Tuesday. Out since April 22 with a sternoclavicular sprain, Span could be facing a quick minorleague assignment.

“We’d like to get him back,” Bochy said. “As soon as we think he’s ready, he’ll be here.”

Without Span, Bochy has tried different players at leadoff and said he considered hitting Brandon Belt first Monday.

Briefly: Joe Panik, a native New Yorker, went 2-for-4 and is a career .387 hitter in 31 Citi Field at-bats . ... Hunter Pence had one extra-base hit in 89 at-bats before homering in the first inning . ... Terry Collins soon will pass Davey Johnson for most Mets games managed. Collins tied Bobby Valentine on Monday at 1,003. Johnson managed 1,012.