SAN FRANCISCO -- Manager Bruce Bochy said Sam Dyson will fill in as closer a day after it was disclosed Hunter Strickland will be sidelined for at least six to eight weeks with a fractured right pinkie finger.
"I really like how Sam has been throwing the ball, using all his pitches well," Bochy said before Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Marlins. "He's become a four-pitch guy. Probably has the most experience to this point, with the exception of Mark Melancon. Mark is just not ready to handle that load."
Dyson saved 14 games in 17 opportunities for the Giants last season. The Giants will leave Tony Watson in the setup role, one that Bochy says gives the Giants more flexibility.
"I wanted to leave Watty where he's at because I've used him in the seventh and eighth against certain parts of the order."
Dyson notched his second save of the season Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, he allowed two runs in the ninth before being replaced by Reyes Moronta, who collected his first career save.
 Good news for Samardzija, Cueto
Jeff Samardzija (right shoulder tightness) will start for Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, Bochy said.
"We're looking at 60 to 70 pitches, around that five-inning area, if all goes well," he said.
After throwing a two-inning simulated game on Monday evening, the Giants will have Johnny Cueto (right elbow sprain) play catch on Thursday before determining his next step.
"The lean is toward Johnny starting rehab," Bochy said.