LOS ANGELES -- For at least one day next week and likely more, the Giants will face the chilling reality of shortstop Brandon Crawford's unavailability.
Manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that Crawford will go on paternity leave Monday to be present as his wife, Jalynne, gives birth to the couple's fourth child.
Bochy said Saturday that he had not yet discussed the subject with Crawford, who isn't expected to be gone for more than a few days. However, the Giants have weathered the absences of first baseman Brandon Belt, second baseman Joe Panik and third baseman Evan Longoria due to injuries. The ballclub hasn't been forced to function without Crawford, whose offensive contributions have matched his routinely spectacular defense. He entered Saturday with a team-high .322 batting average.
Rotation could be whole again soon
The Giants believe Jeff Samardzija will require just one more Minor League injury rehabilitation start before he's ready to rejoin the club's starting rotation.
Asked to estimate the number of rehab outings he'll need, Johnny Cueto said, "I don't know yet." He paused briefly before adding, "Two."
Samardzija is recovering from shoulder tightness; Cueto is nursing a sore left ankle.
Bochy received glowing reports about Samardzija following the right-hander's three scoreless innings Friday for Triple-A Sacramento against Round Rock. Samardzija allowed one hit and struck out four.
"Good day for him," Bochy said, adding that Samardzija's velocity, which has been lacking this year, returned to its usual, mid-90-mph level.