Oblique injury hindering Dickerson's return
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants’ offense will be without one of its best hitters for longer than expected.
Outfielder Alex Dickerson, who has been sidelined with a right oblique strain, is eligible to be activated off the injured list on Sunday, but he will likely need a few more days before he’s ready to rejoin the lineup.
“He’s making some progress, but as you all know, that oblique area sometimes takes a little bit longer than you’re hoping,” manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday.
Dickerson has been playing catch and running indoors, but he has not yet resumed hitting. Bochy said he’s hoping Dickerson will be able to pick up a bat this weekend and potentially appear in a few rehab games in the Minors before returning to the Giants.
Dickerson, 29, had been a key catalyst this season, batting .386 with a 1.222 OPS and six home runs in 30 games. The Giants have missed his potent bat, as they have averaged only 2.8 runs per game over their past 13 games.
To squeeze more production out of his offense and keep his regular players fresh, Bochy said he would likely mix in more of his bench players over the final two months of the season, including Pablo Sandoval, Donovan Solano and Stephen Vogt. All three were in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s series finale against the Nationals to give Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Scooter Gennett a chance to rest, though each of the latter three pinch-hit during the Giants' 4-1 loss.
Posey entered in the eighth and knocked a single, while Gennett struck out in the third. Belt entered in the fifth and went 0-for-3, but he nabbed Yan Gomes at second base from left field.
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Worth noting
• The Giants announced that they’ve placed second baseman Joe Panik on unconditional release waivers. If Panik clears waivers, he will become a free agent and have the option to sign with another team.
• Thursday’s series opener against the Phillies will be broadcast exclusively on YouTube. Announcer Rich Waltz, former Giants All-Star pitcher Shawn Estes, Ben Davis and Guy Haberman will call the game live from Oracle Park.