Sandoval scratched because of sore back

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants scratched third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who was bothered by a sore back, from Tuesday night's lineup against the Boston Red Sox.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy indicated that Sandoval's injury wasn't serious.

"I could have used him [to pinch-hit]," Bochy said after San Francisco's 3-2 Interleague victory.

Bochy said Sandoval would be re-evaluated Wednesday morning before he decides whether to start the two-time All-Star in the series finale.

Plagued by injuries in previous seasons, Sandoval has started 105 of San Francisco's 125 games this year. In his last eight games, the switch-hitter was batting .414 (12-for-29) with seven RBIs.

Shortstop Brandon Crawford, originally slated to bat eighth, occupied the No. 6 spot in the batting order that Sandoval vacated. Joaquin Arias replaced Sandoval at third base, batting eighth. Arias started his 33rd game of the season, including 15 at third base.