Cobb scratched, forcing transition to bullpen game
MIAMI — Alex Cobb was hoping to build off his last start, a six-inning, two-run stint in Cincinnati, but his next assignment was delayed.
Cobb was scratched from Friday night’s start with what the San Francisco Giants called lower back tightness, and the pitcher said the issue extends to his left hamstring.
During Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia, Cobb said his left side began to tighten while he was sitting in the dugout following a workout.
“It got progressively worse,” Cobb said. “I never had that happen. But the fact I’m not on the injured list right now and I’ve progressed a lot in the last few days, possibly things will work out.”
With Cobb unavailable, the Giants mapped out a bullpen game with John Brebbia serving as the opener and Sean Hjelle, who was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, the bulk pitcher.
Doval’s education: A day after Camilo Doval was summoned in the sixth inning for the first time this season and surrendered a couple of runscoring hits in a 3-0 loss, he said he tries to approach each inning in similar fashion.
“It’s the same whether I come in the ninth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth,” said Doval, who has been asked to work at a quicker pace, something he believes he’s accomplishing.
One difference was his preparation. Doval said he didn’t have much time to warm up. “I don’t think I had my normal time to prep because I was a little bit rushed,” said Doval, who entered with one out and a man on first.
Gonzalez wins award: Luis Gonzalez was named the National League’s top rookie for May, just the third Giants player to win a Rookie of the Month award since it was established in 2001, the others being Pedro Feliz ( July 2001) and Buster Posey ( July 2010).
Unfortunately for Gonzalez, hours after he won the award, he was forced from the game in the second inning — he was drilled by an Elieser Hernandez 93 mph fastball just below his right knee and was replaced by Donovan Walton. The Giants said X-rays showed a lower leg contusion.
“It’s an honor,” Gonzalez said about the award before the game. “I just feel really happy and blessed and excited for the future.”
Briefly: To create roster space for Hjelle, the Giants optioned lefty Sam Long, who pitched two scoreless innings Thursday . ... Evan Longoria was originally in the lineup at third base, but after he tested his sore shoulder with some pregame throws, he shifted to designated hitter and Jason Vosler played third. Tommy La Stella, originally the DH, came out of the lineup . ... Brandon Crawford returned to shortstop after missing one game with a sinus issue . ... On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, orange ribbons were added to uniforms and the Giants donated $50,000 to Everytown for Gun Safety. The plan was for a photo-op with the managers in #WearOrange T-shirts, but the Marlins said because they had no batting practice, Don Mattingly had meetings and could not attend.