3 pitchers compete for 2 rotation spots

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants’ rotation story is building more intrigue as spring training moves into its final days.

The Giants have many ways they can go with two early off days, two candidates who have minor-league options and a nonroster invitee who has loads of experience and has impressed the staff.

Saturday was not a good day for the two younger pitchers. Chris Stratton threw four shutout innings, then allowed four runs in the fifth in a 5-4 split-squad loss to the Reds in Goodyear. At Scottsdale Stadium, the A's scorched Ty Blach for seven runs (three earned) in five innings of an 8-3 Oakland victory.

The four unearned runs did not mask how hard Blach was hit. The A’s scored in a first inning that included doubles by Matt Joyce and Jake Smolinski and a two-run Sheldon Neuse homer.

Seven of Blach’s first 18 batters had extra-base hits. He ended his day with a perfect inning.

“It’s good to have some of those outings now and again, as much as they suck,” Blach said. “It’s good to be able to come back and kind of get a little gut check and make sure you’re mentally able to stay locked in and focused on making pitches.”

That might be true, but a pitcher who does not have a job secured is well-served not to pitch like that this late, especially when a nonroster candidate like Derek Holland is making hay.

Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged that the results in later-spring starts can carry more weight because Opening Day is so close.

“Obviously, they’re a little more important because you want them to be close to where they need to be with their command and stuff, facing hitters who are getting their timing down, too,” Bochy said. “Ideally, you want to peak at the right time. Sure, (later starts) could sway you one way or the other on how you could go.”

Bochy said he could set his rotation before the Giants break camp Friday.

Prospect hurt: Third baseman Jacob Gonzalez, the Giants' No. 2 draft pick last year and son of former Arizona outfielder-Luis Gonzalez ,ison concussion watch after he was hit by a pitch on the helmet during a minor-league intrasquad game. Gonzalez also was cut above an eyebrow and will be evaluated Sunday. Briefly: The Giants optioned third baseman Ryder Jones to Triple-A. A hamstring injury ruined his spring. … The Giants will undergo their annual mandatory domestic-violence seminar Sunday.