Posey to sit in finale as Bochy maps out rest

PHOENIX -- Bruce Bochy's attempts to preserve Buster Posey's stamina begin this week, as the Giants manager announced plans to rest his valuable catcher in Thursday's series finale against the D-backs.

Bochy said Tuesday that Hector Sanchez will catch on Thursday, giving Posey a much-needed break in a day game following a night game. Bochy pointed out that the switch-hitting Sanchez, who batted .320 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 19 exhibition appearances, has earned any playing time that can be created for him.

Sanchez's apparent improvement, Bochy said, "is going to make it a little bit easier to give Buster a few days [off] here and there. Both of them will benefit from it."

Bochy wouldn't commit to starting Posey, who hit the game-winning home run in Monday's opener, in each game of this weekend's three-game series at Los Angeles.

"We'll see how the games go. That plays a part in it," Bochy said, indicating that Posey might receive another break if he endures a particularly grueling game behind the plate.