"It's just to change things up," said Bochy, "and see if we can come up with a better record the first day we play on a road trip."

In Bochy's three seasons, the Giants are 6-18 on the first game of a road trip. Last season, they lost games at St. Louis, Philadelphia, New York and Cincinnati after traveling on the off day. And they're 0-6 on the road thus far this season.

Bochy and GM Brian Sabean agreed to try the change, and the finance department signed off on the added expense of hotel rooms, meal money, etc.

"Yeah, it is a significant amount," Bochy said. "Fortunately, the club is allowing us to do this. Hopefully it gets 'em settled in and acclimated to the city we're going to, especially when you go to the East Coast."

Bochy said he hasn't received any complaints from players, most of whom do not live in the Bay Area. If family situations arise, Bochy said, the club usually would grant permission for a player to stay home an extra day.

The Giants plan to continue the policy all season, with the exception of a trip that begins in San Diego in May.

Short hops

Center fielder Aaron Rowand was not available after aggravating his left ankle while planting to make a throw to the plate Tuesday night. Rowand has two screws in the ankle, which was surgically repaired after he broke it in a collision with Phillies teammate Chase Utley in 2006. ... Jonathan Sanchez was available in the bullpen after the Giants decided to skip his next turn in the rotation Friday. Bochy didn't want Lincecum and Randy Johnson to pitch on two extra days of rest, so he moved the two pitchers up a day. ... Before the Giants recalled him, catcher Steve Holm was 0-for-18 at Triple-A Fresno and was sent to minor league camp after a pitch hit him flush on the right elbow. Holm is better now and took batting practice Wednesday.

Andrew Baggarly, MediaNews staff