Cutch day to day with elbow bruise after HBP
Giants may make outfield adjustments if injury lingers
SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants right fielder Andrew McCutchen left Wednesday's 9-4 win over the Padres in the fourth inning with a left elbow contusion. X-rays on the elbow came back negative.
McCutchen, who singled and scored in the first inning, was hit in the arm by a pitch from Padres starter Clayton Richard one inning later. He stayed in the game, but he looked uncomfortable and was replaced by Gregor Blanco in the fourth.
The Giants might still have outfield issues, however.
Having optioned outfielder Austin Slater to Triple-A Sacramento to clear roster room for left-hander Will Smith, the Giants have one extra pitcher (13) and one fewer outfielder (four) than usual. If McCutchen's injury proves troublesome, the Giants will have few outfield options.
They include:
• Waiting for Mac Williamson to leave the seven-day concusssion disabled list. He'll be eligible for activation on Saturday. "He's close," manager Bruce Bochy said of Williamson, the team's hottest hitter when he was sidelined.
• Playing Brandon Belt in left field, a position where he has experience. That would enable Buster Posey to play first base and Nick Hundley to catch, all while keeping Belt's bat in the lineup. This would potentially be an offensive bonanza for the Giants.
• Using Alen Hanson as a reserve if necessary. Hanson started 38 games in the outfield for the White Sox last year.