San Francisco Giants News

Both Johnny Cueto and Joe Panik will begin their respective rehab assignments Tuesday night in Sacramento.

The Giants signed Mark Melancon to a four-year, $62 million last offseason to serve as the team’s closer. And on Tuesday afternoon, Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy declared that Melancon is ready to close ballgames.

Chris Stratton wants to pitch every five days. And with the way he’s thrown in his last two starts, the Giants’ rookie may one day have the opportunity to do so.

There’s pride at stake and plenty left to prove over the final 35 games of the season for an organization that hasn’t been in this position throughout the decade.

Giants’ skipper Bruce Bochy faces the same restrictions every other manager baseball faces on a daily basis. Though he could probably use a team with more depth, Bochy is limited to the 25 players he has in his clubhouse for every game.

Stratton’s recent success led to a relatively full group interview for the rookie following the Giants’ 2-0 win Monday night over the Milwaukee Brewers. The group then grew by one when Giants catcher Nick Hundley joined the throng.

In the past, Bruce Bochy has praised Chris Stratton’s stuff, saying that the franchise’s first round draft pick back in 2012 has the “equipment” to succeed at the Major League level, but it’s unlikely the Giants believed Stratton would assimilate so well after enduring struggles with AAA Sacramento.

The San Francisco Giants have had a slew of injuries in their infield in recent weeks.

Joe Panik suffered a concussion on August 13, and Johnny Cueto hasn’t started a game since July 14.

For years, the San Francisco Giants have struggled to produce homegrown outfielders.