Pence, Morse given day off to rest injuries

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Giants outfielders Hunter Pence (left shoulder) and Michael Morse (right calf) were both out of the lineup against the Dodgers on Sunday, as manager Bruce Bochy gave them a day off to recover.

So what exactly should anyone read into these injuries?

Well, absolutely nothing if you ask either of them. The corner-outfield pair gave practically identical responses when asked how serious their ailments were.

"If it was the season, I could go, but you want to get it fully healed," Pence said.

"If it were the regular season, I'd definitely play today," said Morse.

Sporting a tight wrap around his ankle and calf Sunday, Morse added that he no longer feels any soreness at all. The newest Giants outfielder couldn't recall a specific play that might have triggered it. Instead, he simply noticed discomfort while standing in the outfield Friday, and he was promptly removed after letting Bochy know.

Pence, meanwhile, was initially slated to play Sunday, but after a discussion with Bochy, the pair decided to play it safe, and a new lineup card was tacked to the team's bulletin board with Tyler Graham in right field.

"It's a small left shoulder thing," Pence said. "[Bochy's] got so many things to think about, so he's just being cautious. Everything is good."

Pence tweaked the shoulder while swinging and missing during a sixth-inning at-bat against Kansas City on Friday. He launched his first homer of the spring on the next pitch, making him 1-for-1 with a home run since the injury.

"Actually, I wouldn't label it an injury," Pence clarified.