SAN FRANCISCO -- Pablo Sandoval at second base? It's happened before with Boston, albeit briefly, and the Giants are toying with the idea of doing it again.
Sandoval has been taking grounders at second base throughout this week and was at it again before Sunday's series finale against Colorado while injured starter Joe Panik and third-base coach Ron Wotus looked on.
"He is working," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's not bad. He surprises you how quick his feet are and he's pretty good around the bag."
Sandoval has played 972 games at third base, 78 at first base and 14 at catcher. He also made an appearance as a pitcher earlier this season.
The two-time All-Star has only minimal experience at second, having played two-thirds of an inning there on April 21, 2017, when he was with Boston. Red Sox starter Dustin Pedroia was forced out of the game with an injury, forcing Sandoval to move from third to second.
The Giants have had a rash of injuries at the position, which is why the team is considering Sandoval as an option. Panik has been out with a thumb injury since April 28 and is still recovering from surgery. Alen Hanson, who was called up after Panik went down, is on the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain.
San Francisco called up Miguel Gomez earlier this week to back up Kelby Tomlinson but Bochy is still weighing the idea of using Sandoval.
"He almost went to second yesterday," Bochy said Sunday. "It's easier putting him at first and [Brandon] Belt out in left field, but I was close to putting Tommy in left field and putting Pablo at second with the five-run lead somewhat comfortable but obviously not comfortable enough."
Injury updates
• Right fielder Andrew McCutchen was held out of the starting lineup Sunday, one day after suffering a bruised knee sliding into second base. The Giants have an off-day Monday, which will give McCutchen additional time to rest. "Probably could push a little bit but we'll give him a day today," Bochy said.
• Hanson is eligible to come off the disabled list Wednesday but Bochy indicated that's not likely to happen. Hanson will not accompany the team to Houston and instead will go to Arizona to continue his rehab. "He's coming around but just will take a few more days," Bochy said.