Melancon, Shark not expected to join Team USA

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Giants right-handers Mark Melancon and Jeff Samardzija apparently will not be added to the United States squad for the next round of the World Baseball Classic, San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said Monday.
Melancon, the Giants' $62 million closer, and Samardzija, their No. 4 starter, were included among six pitchers on the Team USA designated pitcher pool, making them eligible to participate in the WBC's second round.
However, Bochy said after the Giants' 7-1 Cactus League loss to Texas, "from what I understand, they're not making any changes. That's not definite, but that's what I'm hearing. I haven't talked to anybody."
Making his fourth Cactus League start, Samardzija allowed seven runs (five earned) and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. The biggest hit belonged to Carlos Gómez, who lofted an opposite-field grand slam to right.
"I thought he hit a ball that was an out, and it got out of the park. That was the difference in the day right there," Samardzija said.

Well-guarded: The Giants made their initial visit to Surprise Stadium since first-base coach Jose Alguacil was struck in the face by a foul ball while sitting in a folding chair at the backstop during a March 4 exhibition against Kansas City.
Coaches and managers resumed their habit of fleeing the crowded dugouts to perch against the backstop, dangerously close to foul-ball range. Except most of the danger was gone.
Bochy, joined by a couple of coaches, sat against the backstop next to the dugout steps as usual. This time, however, they were shielded by a tightly woven netted screen that's typically used in batting practice, usually to protect players from batted balls while they're stationed at bases to take throws.
"I wouldn't have sat out here without that screen," Bochy said.
More moves: The Giants trimmed their spring roster to 47 by sending 12 players to Minor League camp in moves announced after Monday's game.
Optioned were infielder Miguel Gómez and right-handers Kyle Crick, Ian Gardeck, Chase Johnson, Reyes Moronta and Dan Slania.
Reassigned were outfielders Wynton Bernard, Steven Duggar and Austin Slater, catchers Aramis Garcia and Matt Winn and infielder Ryder Jones.
• Left-hander Will Smith tested his inflamed elbow by throwing live batting practice to teammates and could be ready to make his first Cactus League appearance as early as Friday if he avoids physical setbacks.
• Michael Morse left the game in the third inning to be with his wife, Jessica, who was involved in a minor automobile accident. Bochy said Jessica Morse was unharmed.