SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants, looking for help for their troubled bullpen, called up right-handed reliever Bryan Morris from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.
Morris had a 3.06 ERA in 24 games with the Miami Marlins in 2016 and spent the spring with San Francisco before suffering a stress fracture in his right foot after being hit by a line drive during an exhibition appearance.
The 30-year-old pitcher, who underwent back surgery to repair a herniated disk last year, will begin his stint with the Giants in a middle-relief role.
"He's going to bring hopefully some depth in the bullpen," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. "He has good stuff, good movement on his fastball. He's a guy I think that's going to help solidify this bullpen in the sixth, seventh inning. We'll make adjustments if we have to later on but right now that's his role."
Morris was added to help a bullpen that has had mixed results this season.
The most recent meltdown came Saturday night when Chris Stratton and Neil Ramirez combined to give up 11 runs in two innings against the Dodgers, wasting a strong outing by starter Player Page for Matt Cain.
With most of his relievers relatively healthy, though, Bochy wants to keep them that way.
"We've got some guys rested but we'd like to keep them rested," Bochy said. "That's why we feel we still need the extra pitcher."
Ramirez was designated for assignment to make room for Morris on the Giants' 40-man roster. If he clears waivers, the right-hander will report to Sacramento.
"He's got Major League stuff," Bochy said. "At times he's got electric stuff. He just has to work on his command a little bit. Hopefully he's in Sacramento with us and can work on those things."
Injury updates
• Center fielder and leadoff hitter Denard Span (sternoclavicular joint sprain) continues to make a slow recovery but the Giants are hopeful of accelerating the process. While Span has been getting treatment, Bochy said it's possible he could begin taking batting practice on the field Monday in Los Angeles when the team begins a three-game series against the Dodgers.
• Infielder/outfielder Aaron Hill (forearm strain) is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday but Bochy is uncertain if that will happen.
"That forearm is a sensitive area so we've had to slow-play him a little bit," Bochy said.