Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants are preparing for a time without Pablo Sandoval.
Before Tuesday’s game against the A’s, the Giants put Abiatal Avelino, who has third-base experience at Triple-A Sacramento, on the taxi squad in case Sandoval needs an IL stint. Additionally, they called up Aramis Garcia, the catcher/first baseman, to man first base against Oakland lefty Brett Anderson.
The Giants wanted a righty bat at the corner, and Sandoval’s troublesome right elbow barks when he swings righty.
“I’d prefer to keep him left-handed,” Bruce Bochy said at Oracle Park, adding he would be available as a lefty pinch-hitter. “Throwing is where he’s flaring up.”
Sandoval hasn’t started since Wednesday, Bochy revealing this week that he’s dealing with loose bodies in his right, throwing elbow. The condition sometimes requires surgery to clean up. The 33-year-old, wearing a heavy pack of ice on his elbow again, declined comment when approached Tuesday.
“We haven’t made a call yet, but he’s made some improvements,” Bochy said.
In his stead, for the day at least, will be Garcia, who had been 6-for-22 (.273) with a pair of doubles in his past six games with Sacramento.
“First, right-handed bat against a lefty,” Bochy said, explaining the move. “He’s swinging the bat well. We do have a third catcher now. I don’t know how long this will stay like this.”
Avelino, meanwhile, who plays all around the infield, slashed .285/.315/.444 in 111 games with Sacramento.
Alex Dickerson was set to DH for Triple-A Sacramento and “get three or four at-bats, then we’ll see where we’re at,” Bochy said.
With Sacramento heading to Reno following the game, Bochy envisioned Dickerson re-joining the team Wednesday — even if he might not play right away.
“Not saying we’re going to activate him, but at least evaluate,” Bochy said.
Two doctors’ opinions wasn’t enough for the Giants to reach a decision on Steven Duggar.
The outfielder, on the 60-day IL with a left shoulder AC joint sprain, is exploring whether surgery — for a second year — on the shoulder or rest is the preferable option. After getting a second opinion Monday, they’re going for a third.
“Right now we’re not sure exactly what we’re gonna do,” Bochy said. “Couple of slightly different opinions — well, ‘We could rest it,’ ‘Surgery would be the way to go to get it fixed.’ We’re going to have him see another doctor.”
Shaun Anderson was set to throw for the first time Tuesday since going on the IL following his Wednesday start, in which a blister cropped up.
