LOS ANGELES -- Hold those questions about whether Madison Bumgarner will bat for himself in the Bay Bridge Series games Monday and Tuesday at Oakland, where the Giants can use a designated hitter.
Bumgarner, who loves to hit, will do his swinging Sunday against the Dodgers instead of Monday against the A's. Player Page for Matt Cain, who was initially scheduled to pitch Sunday's series finale here, instead will open the Bay Bridge Series on Monday for the Giants in Oakland.
Manager Bruce Bochy pointed out the switch will enable Bumgarner, the acknowledged staff ace, to receive his usual four days' rest between outings. Bumgarner is coming off his first win of the year, a five-inning effort last Tuesday against Pittsburgh that probably hastened the switch due to his early departure.
• Catcher Nick Hundley was scratched from Saturday's lineup, the aftermath of being struck by a foul tip during Friday night's game. Bochy said the danger of enduring a possible concussion wasn't an issue for Hundley. However, Bochy added, the Giants might have ordered concussion-related tests for Hundley had he absorbed the impact of one more foul tip.
• Though right-handed pitching prospect Tyler Beede is possibly sidelined for the rest of the season with a groin injury, the Giants weren't expecting to promote the 24-year-old anytime soon, Bochy said.
Beede, the organization's No. 3-rated prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, joined infielder Christian Arroyo and outfielder Austin Slater on the list of Giants whose recovery from their respective injuries won't be rushed, though they'll receive big league playing time if they're healthy by September. Beede currently owns a 6-7 record with a 4.79 ERA in 19 starts with Triple-A Sacramento.
"He wasn't as consistent as we wanted him to be with his command," Bochy said.
• Giants closer Mark Melancon (forearm) headed north to make Minor League injury rehabilitation appearances Sunday in Sacramento and Monday at Class A Advanced San Jose.