Bochy playing it safe with Morse's playing time

LOS ANGELES -- Giants left fielder Michael Morse played all nine innings in Sunday night's 6-2 loss to the Dodgers. That may not sound like news, but it was something of a novelty, since Morse previously did not play a full game despite starting five of San Francisco's prior six contests.

Earlier Sunday, Giants manager Bruce Bochy indicated that he'll continue to search for the most opportune time each day to remove Morse from games and keep him healthy.

Bochy remains concerned about Morse's right calf, which limited him to 15 exhibition appearances after he injured it early in Spring Training.

"That's played a big part of why I've taken him out early," Bochy said.

Morse typically has relinquished his spot to Gregor Blanco or Juan Perez in the middle to late innings. Sunday was an exception.

"That's just me being cautious," said Bochy, who must balance the importance of sending Morse to the plate with the need to keep him fit for the long haul. "The more I get him out of there, the better things are going to be."