Bruised finger keeps Posey out vs. Padres

SAN DIEGO -- A day after he was hit in the throwing hand trying to block a pitch in the dirt, Giants catcher Buster Posey was out of the starting lineup Wednesday with a bruised ring finger and torn fingernail.

Posey had the finger wrapped before Wednesday's game in San Diego, and manager Bruce Bochy is hopeful his All-Star backstop will return to the lineup Thursday when the Giants begin a four-game series against the D-backs at AT&T Park.

"I'm hoping it's day to day," Bochy said. "He'll deal with his finger, and if he gets the swelling down, he's good to go tomorrow."

Bochy noted Posey was fortunate it was his ring finger that took the brunt of the blow and not one of the digits used to grip the ball.

Posey was replaced in the lineup by Hector Sanchez, who batted seventh. Johnny Monell, who had his contract purchased from Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday, will serve as Sanchez's backup. Monell, a seven-year Minor Leaguer, is awaiting his Major League debut.