Rookie Long gets 1st start

After getting two assignments as the second pitcher in following an opener, Giants rookie Sammy Long will get his first bigleague start Sunday against the Phillies.

Long was terrific in his debut, working fourplus innings and allowing one hit and one run. His second time out didn’t go quite as well, but it was also a little unusual: He took over in the first inning with two on and none out, and while he got out of the jam, he wound up allowing four runs in five innings.

“We feel like Long has really earned the opportunity to start for us and see what he can give us,” manager Gabe Kapler said Saturday.

Kapler also noted that the Phillies’ lineup Sunday is likely to be similar to Saturday’s against lefthander Alex Wood — which means, with two lefthanded hitters among the top four, there isn’t necessarily any

impetus to have Long avoid facing that section of the lineup an extra time through. In addition, Long will have had a chance to see how the Phillies approach Wood and get an uptothemoment scouting report.

The Giants are liking what they’re seeing of Long as he fills in with Logan Webb (shoulder) on the injured list.

“My favorite thing about him is how aggressive and competitive he is on the mound,” Kapler said. “He’s really confident, really trusting his stuff and his weapons and believes in himself out on the mound — a little bit unusual for a pitcher of his

experience level.”

Rehab stints: Kapler said

Darin Ruf (hamstring) and

Alex Dickerson (back strain) started rehab assignments Saturday, with Dickerson slated to play the outfield and Ruf DH’ing. Both could be back on the Giants’ roster as early as Tuesday.

The corresponding move or moves will be interesting. LaMonte Wade Jr. has been batting leadoff and doing a nice job.

Steven Duggar likewise has been one of the team’s more productive hitters lately. Jason Vosler has gotten time at third with Evan Longoria out, and

Mauricio Dubón is the best option to back up at shortstop. Mike Tauchman, who has provided gamesaving defense and the occasional big hit, is out of options. Tough choices, because each has brought something to the table and Wade and Duggar in particular have earned regular playing time.

Tauchman also gets some cool points: He was spotted commuting to Oracle Park via skateboard Saturday.