SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants regained a key bat after activating slugger Alex Dickerson ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the A's, but the news of his return was tempered by the club's decision to place utility man Pablo Sandoval on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.

Dickerson, who missed 12 games with a right oblique strain, was available off the bench against the A's and is expected to start Friday in Arizona. The timetable is less clear for Sandoval, who underwent an MRI exam Sunday that revealed bone chips in his right elbow. Sandoval received a cortisone injection, but he said he has yet to feel much relief from soreness in his throwing elbow.

"It's pretty damaged," said Sandoval, who has been dealing with loose bodies in his right elbow since 2013. "It's beat up."

Sandoval said he's unsure how much time he'll need on the IL, though he's hoping to return in September and help the Giants down the stretch, even if he's limited to hitting from the left side. Sandoval's elbow has been flaring up when he tries to throw or hit right-handed.

"I would love to, but I hope I can throw and play on the field, too," Sandoval said. "It just depends on how I'm going to react. In 2013, I got almost the same [thing]. I missed three weeks in Spring Training and I started Opening Day against [Clayton] Kershaw. It just depends on how the elbow will feel."

The Giants had tried to avoid losing Sandoval, whose 14 home runs were tied with Evan Longoria for second on the team behind Kevin Pillar's 15. The 33-year-old veteran has emerged as a valuable weapon off the bench, batting .383 with a 1.089 OPS in 49 plate appearances as a pinch-hitter and offering positional versatility with his ability to play both corner infield spots.

"I know he's frustrated, and he is in pain," manager Bruce Bochy said. "This has flared up on him before, but not quite like this. Sometimes they go away in two to three days. Other times, they just linger. This one, we can't get to go away, so that's why he's on the [IL]."

Sandoval, an impending free agent, said he's unsure if he will require an offseason procedure to remove the bone chips in his elbow.