SAN FRANCISCO - Giants utilityman Eugenio Velez may be known for his speed on the basepaths, but his speed in getting back to the big leagues after being optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Monday was even more incredible.
Before Velez could even lace up for the Grizzlies, he found himself back in the Giants' clubhouse Tuesday, courtesy of outfielder Andres Torres heading to the 15-day DL with a hamstring injury suffered during the Giants' 5-4 win over the Dodgers on Monday. Giants manager Bruce Bochy reiterated that the move was simply so his club could add a 12th pitcher and did not reflect on the play of Velez, who entered Tuesday batting just .154 (2-for-13).
Bochy added, however, that the 26-year-old player's quick return thanks to Torres' injury inspired some speculation in the clubhouse.
"Guys were giving him a hard time," Bochy said. "They thought he broke out the voodoo doll."
Sanchez starts againJonathan Sanchez was back on the mound for the Giants , making his first start since pitching 6 2/3 scoreless innings in a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 17. The Giants elected to skip the No. 5 starter's last turn in the rotation in order to keep staff ace Tim Lincecum sharp, with the defending Cy Young winner starting last Friday in Arizona.
Sanchez made a one-inning relief appearance the next day to stay sharp himself, tossing a scoreless frame in a 5-3 Giants win.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti, who split time as a starter and as a reliever during his 16-year major league career, said he was anxious to see how Sanchez would respond to being back in the rotation after missing a start.
"He understands he may feel a little fresh out there," Righetti said. "He's got to make sure he stays within his game and keeps it calmed down, which will be hard, especially against the Dodgers."
As it turned out, Sanchez showed no ill effects to the 11-day layover between starts. The lefty pitched five innings, allowing just two unearned runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five before leaving with the score tied 2-2.
Renteria, Wilson sitGiants shortstop Edgar Renteria was held out of Tuesday's starting lineup with what Bochy termed a "very, very mild little groin thing." The manager said Renteria could play if needed, but that it was a perfect opportunity to get utility infielder Juan Uribe some at-bats.
Bochy also said that closer Brian Wilson would not be available for relief duty a day after striking out the side in the ninth to earn his fourth save in five tries. Wilson threw in each of the previous three games and had taken the mound in 10 of the Giants' first 18 contests entering Tuesday.
Closing duties were instead pinned on Bobby Howry and Jeremy Affeldt.
