Blanco returns from concussion DL

LOS ANGELES -- The Giants regained outfield depth without expanding their roster on Friday by activating Gregor Blanco from the disabled list and optioning outfielder Jarrett Parker to Triple-A Sacramento.

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Giants manager Bruce Bochy said that Blanco will be the primary replacement in right field while Hunter Pence recovers from tendinitis in his left wrist. Entering Friday night's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco's right fielders were hitting .191 since Pence was sidelined on June 3. That stretch included two starts by Blanco, who's batting .278 overall with 10 doubles in only 115 at-bats.

Blanco also can play all three outfield positions, providing roster flexibility that the Giants lacked while a concussion caused him to miss nine games.

"If feels like a month," said Blanco, 31.

Exercising caution, the Giants didn't officially announce the moves involving Blanco and Parker until batting practice concluded. Given the tricky nature of concussions, the Giants wanted to make doubly sure that Blanco was fit to play.

Blanco assured himself and the Giants that he could resume playing after performing a variety of baseball-related tasks in the last two days, including agility drills, sprinting from second base to home plate, jumping and simulating diving catches.

One hitch: When Blanco is playing, the Giants have no left-handed batters on the bench, unless left fielder Nori Aoki is resting.