Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
LOS ANGELES — A day later, it was “much better.” But not better enough.
Pablo Sandoval said he still felt “sore” a day after Max Muncy trampled his right pinkie finger as Sandoval fell over, successfully making a catch at first base.
Sandoval’s finger was still wrapped, and he said the Giants have advised him not to pick up a bat.
“They don’t want me to do anything,” Sandoval said Tuesday before the Giants faced off against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. “No pressure there because of stitches, still can be opened, so they want to wait for one day at least.”
Sandoval needed four stitches on the laceration to his pinkie, but X-rays were negative.
“He’s doing pretty good,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He’s day to day. Get a little treatment, wrap it up. … We got a break. Nothing structurally damaged.”
If you’re going to experience that terrible pain, Sandoval picked a good time to suffer. The Dodgers are putting lefties Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill on the mound Tuesday and Wednesday, and Tyler Austin’s righty bat would have bumped Sandoval’s anyway.
Bochy said the team was not considering the injured list as of yet.
It’s a good problem to have, but the Giants think Will Smith can use a rest.
The closer notched his 19th save in 19 chances Monday, the fifth time in seven days Smith was used.
“I’m going to try to give him a break if we can,” Bochy said. “His usage is really up there the past week and a half. I’m going to talk to him.”
Smith has gotten a save in each of those five games. Bochy could use a blowout.
“It would be nice if we win a game, to do it in easier fashion,” Bochy said. “But that’s not our way, is it?”