Belt activated, returns to Giants' starting lineup

NEW YORK -- The Giants reinstated first baseman Brandon Belt from the disabled list Saturday and, despite his inactivity, promptly installed him in the lineup against the New York Mets.

To clear roster room for Belt, the Giants optioned outfielder Jarrett Parker to Triple-A Fresno. Parker thus spent one day, Friday, on San Francisco's active roster.

Belt missed 12 games after sustaining a concussion when he was hit in the face by a throw during batting practice on July 19 at Miami. That was shortly after Belt spent eight weeks on the DL with a fractured left thumb.

The Giants discussed sending Belt -- who went 2-for-3 in the Giants' 4-2 loss to the Mets -- on a Minor League injury rehabilitation assignment. But manager Bruce Bochy liked what he saw while studying Belt during batting practice.

"Watching him yesterday, I just thought he looked good swinging," Bochy said.

Belt has appeared in 47 games, batting .250 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs. The Giants are 29-18 when he appears in a game and 26-18 in his starts.