Closer Strickland out 6 to 8 weeks

SAN FRANCISCO — Giants closer Hunter Strickland broke his pitching hand punching a door in frustration after blowing the save and taking a loss Monday night against the Marlins.

The right-hander underwent surgery Tuesday and is expected to be out six to eight weeks, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. An X-ray taken after the 5-4 loss revealed the break in Strickland’s pinkie, similar to what sidelined ace left-hander Madison Bumgarner at the beginning of the season after he was hurt in his final spring training start.

“I’m thoroughly disappointed,” Bochy said. “I’m crushed because this guy had grown as a pitcher, a player and a person. I know Hunter cares deeply, (but) he let his emotions get away.

“I think he did it when he came out of the game, but we didn’t know about it. I didn’t know about it until I got home.”

Strickland blew his fourth save in 17 chances and second straight, allowing more than two runs for only the fourth time in his career.

Bochy said Strickland had shown maturity and made progress keeping his emotions in check since last year’s fight with Nationals star Bryce Harper.

In May 2017, Strickland ignited an all-out brawl when he beaned Harper with a 98 mph fastball. Harper charged the mound and both men threw punches as benches and bullpens emptied.

“As he became our closer, he really grew as a pitcher handling his emotions well in tight situations,” Bochy said. “That was a gut-wrenching loss (Monday), which I’m sure he felt full responsibility for, and he just didn’t think before he acted.”

Sam Dyson and Tony Watson will be used for closing duties and right-hander Pierce Johnson was called up from Triple-A Sacramento to replace Strickland.