Bochy mixes in Giants' bench players early

PHOENIX -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy is trying to find playing time for the club's reserves, which he considers particularly essential early in the season.

"Especially coming out of Spring Training," Bochy said Wednesday. "They're used to getting their at-bats, and then you sit them down and they get a little rusty and start losing their swing."

Thus, Bochy explained, he gave Ehire Adrianza his first Major League start at second base Wednesday. Backup outfielder Juan Perez received a couple of plate appearances Tuesday, though he struck out both times. Reserve outfielder Gregor Blanco will start Thursday's series finale. And infielder Brandon Hicks, who didn't appear in San Francisco's first two games, likely will start Friday at Los Angeles.

"I'm going to mix it up," Bochy said.