Another outfielder out
Call it the Incredible Shrinking Outfield.
Gregor Blanco joined the long list of injured Giants outfielders Friday, when the team announced he has been diagnosed with a concussion. Blanco is officially listed as day-today, but manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged it’s possible Blanco will not play again this season.
Bochy offered the same sobering assessment of Nori Aoki (concussion) and Hunter Pence (strained oblique).
“We’d like to have them back,” Bochy said. “But it’s getting short now, so it does become a question.”
The shortage of outfielders limits Bochy as he fills out his lineup card; Alejandro De Aza started in left field Friday night. The injuries could help Marlon Byrd, who entered the game needing 82 plate appearances in the season’s final 22 games for his $8 million team option to become guaranteed for 2016.
Even so, Bochy finds himself with dwindling strategic options in the late innings. That’s why the Giants recalled lefthanded-hitting outfielder Jarrett Parker from Triple-A Sacramento.
“What it changes, just as important as who’s out there on a regular basis, is your bench,” Bochy said. “That really hurts, as far as matchups you want to get off the bench. … It’s really remarkable, the number and type of injuries we’ve had.”
Blanco complained of concussion symptoms after a game this week in Arizona. He thinks the injury probably occurred Aug. 31 in Los Angeles, where he slid into Chase Utley’s knee on a play at second base. Cain returns: The Giants reinstated pitcher Matt Cain from the disabled list. Cain, sidelined with nerve irritation in his right elbow, will pitch out of the bullpen for now, though Bochy said it’s possible he’ll make another start this season.
“I’m definitely looking forward to finishing strong,” Cain said. “The challenge doesn’t change (in the bullpen). I’ve still got to go out there and compete and try to get guys out.” Injury update: Bochy said shortstop Brandon Crawford (calf ) is closer to rejoining the lineup than second baseman Joe Panik (lower back).