Bochy looks to increase Posey's time at catcher

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy hopes that Buster Posey can increase his catching workload this season.

The calendar is one factor in Posey's favor. He's another year removed from the horrific left leg injuries he sustained on May 25, 2011. Last year, Posey caught 114 games, starting 111. He also started 29 games at first base and three as a designated hitter while appearing in 148 games overall.

Posey started his 14th game as a catcher Saturday against San Diego. That put the National League's reigning Most Valuable Player on pace to catch 126 games this season, a significant jump from 2012.

Bochy's remarks reflect the Giants' intent to use Posey where he can help them the most, which should silence the buzz about his potential switch to a corner-infield position. The Giants didn't sign him to a nine-year, $167 million contract extension last month to squander his skills.

"I think when it's all said and done -- knock on wood, he stays healthy -- you'll see he'll catch more games this year," Bochy said. "But at the same time, we want to keep him fresh and take care of him."