Bochy capitalizing on roster's defensive versatility

SAN FRANCISCO -- Joaquin Arias and Tony Abreu both found themselves in unfamiliar positions on Wednesday, with Arias starting at shortstop and earning just the seventh start in the No. 5 spot in his career, and Abreu starting at third base for the first time this season.

"I've said this going into the season, a player like Arias is so valuable because you can put him anywhere," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's a good fielder, a good shortstop so it's good to have that luxury of having a guy that versatile so gifted defensively.

"[Abreu] has played a lot of third base [in the past]. He's been taking ground balls there, so hopefully we get some good defense from him. He's another guy who's valuable because he can play anywhere on the infield, just like [Nick] Noonan."

Arias, Abreu and Noonan have offered Bochy flexibility in recent weeks with injuries to Marco Scutaro, Pablo Sandoval and, most recently, Brandon Crawford.