Kickham returns as Sanchez goes on DL

SAN FRANCISCO -- Two days after the Giants optioned pitcher Mike Kickham to Triple-A Fresno, he was back in San Francisco to help provide some relief for the bullpen following Monday's 16-inning loss to the Mets.

Kickham assumed the roster spot of catcher Hector Sanchez, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a shoulder strain. Kickham is allowed to return before the end of the 10-day waiting period following his option because he is filling the spot of an injured player.

Because the Giants are carrying two catchers on their active roster, they could afford to replace Sanchez with a pitcher.

"It's been a couple games we talked about [the shoulder] because it's occasionally been flaring up," Bochy said.

Sanchez is hitting .231 with three RBIs in 39 at-bats this season. Bochy complimented Kickham, who is 0-3 with a 12.15 ERA, when the team optioned him to Fresno on Sunday and said he had seen improvements with the left-hander's changeup and that he was more in rhythm from the stretch.