SAN FRANCISCO -- Christian Arroyo, the hot-hitting rookie infielder who has provided a spark for the Giants since being called up from the Minors earlier this week, will remain in the lineup for the near future after San Francisco activated shortstop Brandon Crawford from the bereavement list and put him on the 10-day disabled list Saturday.
Crawford suffered a strained right groin rounding first base during Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He left the team the following day to attend the funeral of his sister-in-law, who recently passed away from an asthma attack.
As expected, Crawford rejoined the Giants on Saturday and was transferred to the disabled list to continue his recovery from what manager Bruce Bochy described as a "very mild" groin strain. The move is retroactive to April 26, meaning Crawford can be activated May 6 when San Francisco is in Cincinnati.
"He's making progress," Bochy said. "He's doing better. I can't tell you when he will be ready ... but it'll be around the area when the DL time is up. Maybe a few days but I think it's going to be in the ballpark."
Arroyo, who homered in two of his first five big league games after being called up Monday, started at shortstop in Crawford's place for the second straight game Saturday. Arroyo, who started at third base in his first four Major League games, singled off Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw for his first big league hit, then belted a go-ahead home run against San Diego on Friday.
"It's all about depth and versatility," Bochy said. "It allows you to do some things."