Strained knee knocks McGehee out of game

SAN DIEGO -- Already victimized by injuries, the Giants could awaken Sunday to an even more weakened lineup, depending on the medical report they receive on third baseman Casey McGehee and his strained left knee.

McGehee sustained the injury Saturday in the simplest fashion: breaking from the batter's box. He began running to first base as he flied out to medium-deep center field with runners on the corners to end the first inning, then suddenly staggered to the dirt along the first-base line. He left the field moments later and was replaced by Joaquin Arias, whose fourth-inning homer was among the Giants' few positive moments in their 10-2 loss to San Diego.

McGehee was scheduled to undergo an MRI examination late Saturday. If McGehee must be placed on the disabled list -- "It didn't look good," Madison Bumgarner said of his fallen teammate -- replacing him on the roster might not be just a matter of installing a third baseman such as Adam Duvall.

The Giants could indeed recall Duvall, who's primarily a third baseman, from Triple-A Sacramento. But they also could opt for a first baseman, if they believe Arias can handle third and first baseman Brandon Belt (strained right groin) needs more time to heal. The Giants were hoping Belt could rejoin the lineup Sunday or Monday, but manager Bruce Bochy didn't sound certain.

"We'll see what we think our needs are," Bochy said.

McGehee became the Giants' third projected regular to be sidelined with an injury. Besides Belt, right fielder Hunter Pence is on the disabled list with a fractured left forearm suffered in early March.

Obtained from the Marlins in a December trade, McGehee's batting .238 (5-for-21) with one home run and two RBIs.

Bochy tried to remain optimistic.

"We'll be all right," he said. "We've had tough times. We're a little nicked up, but we can't talk our bad luck. We have to play through it."