CINCINNATI -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy affirmed Friday that shortstop Brandon Crawford will not be ready to leave the 10-day disabled list on Saturday, the first day he's eligible for activation.
However, Crawford's strained right groin may have healed enough to enable him to return to the lineup soon. He has continued to perform baseball-related activities.
The inclement weather expected this weekend provides Bochy with a solid reason for delaying Crawford's comeback. One false move, and the shortstop could aggravate his injury by slipping.
"Weather can play a part in it," Bochy said.
According to some forecasts, the rain is expected to stop on Sunday. Even then, Bochy is likely to remain cautious and wait at least until Monday's opener of a three-game series in New York to activate Crawford, who hasn't played since he sustained his injury on April 25.
Worth noting
• First baseman Brandon Belt has seen his offensive value enhanced by his propensity for drawing walks, according to fangraphs.com.
Entering Friday, Belt had coaxed 22 walks, fourth-highest in the Major Leagues, and 12 of his 26 hits had gone for extra bases. Hence, Bochy said that he's likely to use Belt in left field, as he did Friday, at least occasionally. That would enable Buster Posey or Michael Morse to play first base and potentially bolster the offense.
Belt's critics have said that he doesn't hit enough home runs to be a legitimate offensive threat. Bochy defended Belt's ability to fill more than one offensive role.
"You do need guys who, as I say, carry the mail -- drive in runs," Bochy said. Citing Belt's ability to draw walks, Bochy added, "We look for him to bring both."
• Bochy said that right-hander Johnny Cueto will make his scheduled start Sunday against his former Reds teammates, despite the blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand.
"He's got it under control, and that's a good thing," Bochy said.