Longoria returns — but still has foot pain

PHOENIX — Evan Longoria was back at third base for the first time this spring Saturday, but he continues to deal with plantar fasciitis (heel pain), as he has on and off for nine seasons.

“It’s probably not something that’s going to go away. So it’ll be there,” he said. “It’ll just be about managing it.”

Longoria, who is batting .360 with a 1.305 OPS, played three innings in the field and struck out in both his atbats against Seattle’s James Paxton, whom the Giants will face in a regularseason game Friday. Paxton struck out nine in four innings in Seattle’s 50 victory.

“Hopefully get him a little comfortable with the two punchouts there,” Longoria joked. “We’re going to have our hands full, he has good stuff, but it’s for sure beneficial to see him right now.”

Longoria believes he’ll be OK to play nine innings in the field when the season starts Thursday. Designated hitter is an option the three games at Seattle, and he said he’d “gladly DH in one of those” if asked.

Longoria was playing behind longtime Tampa Bay teammate Scott Kazmir, who is working on his second bigleague comeback. “I am always rooting for him, obviously a lot of good memories with him,” Longoria said.

Kazmir allowed six hits, a walk and five runs in 32⁄3 innings and put up a 9.35 ERA for the spring; he’s likely to open at TripleA Sacramento. “A frustrating outing,” he said. “My stuff felt great, I just wasn’t able to execute in certain situations.”

Manager Gabe Kapler said that righthander Logan Webb will start in the third game, which all but ensures that Anthony DeSclafani will be the No. 4 starter and Aaron Sanchez No. 5, as Kapler has previously suggested. Johnny Cueto has been mentioned as the likely starter for the home opener April 9, which means the team does not plan to skip anyone the first time through. The remaining decisions: the eightman bullpen and the 26th man, which is likely between Darin Ruf and LaMonte Wade Jr. The Giants want to keep their roster flexible, which means Ruf, who is out of options, might have the upper hand. Relievers out of options: Jarlin Garcia and Matt Wisler, so the final spot might come down to Wandy Peralta vs. Nick Tropeano, who has an optout at the end of the month.