CINCINNATI -- Seeking to test his strained right groin at game speed, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford will play for the organization's Double-A Richmond affiliate Monday.
Crawford injured himself while rounding first base April 25 and has been sidelined since. Lately, he has increased his level of baseball activity, prompting him to speculate he might rejoin the Giants' lineup during their three-game series at New York beginning Monday.
However, Crawford said general manager Bobby Evans suggested performing in one Minor League rehabilitation game would provide a clearer indication of his physical progress. Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Crawford will play six innings and bat third for Richmond, which entertains Altoona on Monday.
Crawford pointed out Sunday that if he doesn't feel right, "I can just wait another couple of days" and avoid making a second trip to the 10-day disabled list, which he'd have to do if he returned directly to the Giants and had to be activated from his current DL assignment.
Crawford, 30, believed he'll know what kind of shape he's in as a result of playing with the Flying Squirrels.
"I think I practice pretty close to game speed," he said, "but it's still not the same" as actually competing against an opponent.
Bochy said the Giants will demand unfiltered feedback from Crawford, one of the club's most valuable assets: "I think we need him to be honest with us how he gets through it."