SAN FRANCISCO — Bruce Bochy said before Sunday’s series finale against the Reds that Hunter Pence may be facing time on the disabled list due to a mild hamstring strain, but the Giants manager is encouraged by the recent performance of Pence’s primary replacement, Justin Ruggiano.
Ruggiano has started three of the Giants’ last four games in the outfield and has knocked five base hits in 13 at-bats. He hit a solo homer on Saturday that gave the Giants some insurance in a 3-1 victory. In Sunday’s series finale against Cincinnati, Ruggiano is back in the lineup, batting 8th and playing in right field.
#SFGiants lineup for Sunday's series finale as they look to take 3 of 4 from the Reds pic.twitter.com/WDcZorW2XP
— KNBR (@KNBR) May 14, 2017
Bochy said Ruggiano seems to be getting in a rhythm at the plate, and said that’s largely due to the nine-year veteran’s experience in the bigs. The Giants signed Ruggiano to a minor league contract in December, and he spent the first month of this season with Triple-A Sacramento, where he hit .259. He was called up in early-May and has hit .294 in 17 at-bats with the big club.
“He’s done this, he’s been up and down,” Bochy said of Ruggiano. “He’s had the experience to deal with this. He’s getting in a groove now, and he’s dangerous. He’s a threat up there, and what he can do for you is he can play all three outfield positions. It’s good to have somebody come up and step up a little bit and help out.”
Pence has a mild left hamstring strain, Bochy said, which will at the very least keep him on the bench for the next few days. He will be available to pinch hit, but Bochy said he and Pence will meet with Bobby Evans to decide between keeping Pence active and on the bench for the next few days or calling up a fresh body to lend a hand.
In other pregame news, Mark Melancon (right pronator strain) threw before Sunday’s game, and should be ready to come off the DL when eligibile on Tuesday. Bochy also said Aaron Hill (right forearm strain) could begin a rehab assignment next week. He has been on the disabled list since the end of April.
First pitch on Sunday is set for 1:05 p.m. as the Giants look to take three out of four games from Cincinnati.