SAN FRANCISCO — The first words out of Joe Panik’s mouth let every Giants fan (and Bruce Bochy) breathe a sigh of relief.
“I’m feeling normal again,” he said before changing into his Giants uniform for the first time in 23 games.
The Giants ended Panik’s rehab assignment a day early to get him in Thursday’s lineup. He was slated to play nine innings in Reno with Triple-A Sacramento after playing five and seven innings the past two days. Panik figured if he could play nine in Reno, he could do the same at AT&T Park. The same scenario could play out with Hunter Pence (right hamstring strain), who Bochy said has made “pretty dramatic” progress. He’s got two home runs in his last two games in Triple-A, and could join the Giants by Saturday.
Last week the Giants pumped the breaks on Panik’s rehab and caused a bit of concern by saying he “wasn’t feeling great.” Turns out that was exactly the case, and he needed a few days of rest after overextending himself.
“Your brain controls a lot,” Panik said, “from balance to vision to emotions. It’s not like you can play feeling ‘pretty good’ in the brain.
“It’s that time of year where everybody’s not feeling good physically, so you can’t really do that with the brain. You have to be normal, you have to be 100 percent with your brain.”
He’s penned into the third spot of the lineup, just behind Denard Span and Angel Pagan. Bochy said he wanted to keep that tandem together atop the order while they continue to produce. That pushes Panik into a spot (No. 3) he hasn’t hit in all season, one Bochy termed a “black hole” two days ago.
“Let’s try to change that,” Panik said.
Grant Green was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Panik. Sounds like Bochy would like to see Green accept a minor league assignment if he clears waivers. The infielder had big pinch hits against both Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller last week in New York.
With the way things have gone for the Giants and injuries this season, it was only fitting another player go on the DL when one comes off. Josh Osich is sidelined with a left forearm strain retroactive to July 24. An MRI came back looking good, but the Giants are being cautious and want to keep a fully staffed bullpen. Left-hander Matt Reynolds was recalled in place of Osich, and will be used primarily as a matchup arm against left-handed hitters. This also gives GM Bobby Evans a look at another lefty reliever before he potentially trades for one in the next five days before the trade deadline.
Matt Duffy (left Achilles strain) could begin his rehab assignment this weekend. He felt good after running the bases Thursday afternoon, and will do the same on Friday.