Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants are limping to the finish line.
Bruce Bochy said Will Smith is again unavailable Tuesday, a night after the Giants’ bullpen blew a two-run lead in the ninth in an eventual 6-4 loss to the Pirates.
The closer, who hasn’t pitched since Friday with back inflammation, has not been able to throw off a mound, Bochy said.
“He’s not quite ready yet,” Bochy said before the Giants played Pittsburgh again at Oracle Park, after they dropped their first game all season when leading after eight innings (55-1).
Meanwhile, Alex Dickerson was expected to take swings off a tee for the first time since his cortisone shot, intended to help his oblique.
“Hopefully this weekend,” Bochy said about a return of Dickerson, who had told KNBR he never felt truly healthy upon returning from the IL.
The Giants are trying to get to a “point where he can pinch-hit,” Bochy said, before darkly joking, “Take a swing without making a grimace and put him in.”
Reyes Moronta was scheduled to have surgery Tuesday. Bochy was not sure yet if it had been completed.
Buster Posey admitted Monday his confidence is not “at an all-time high” following his trying to bunt his way on base in another down season.
Bochy said this didn’t irk him, pointing to Posey still recovering from last year’s surgery.
“I know there’s a lot of concern [about] guys when they don’t quite have the years that you’re accustomed to. He did go through major hip surgery,” Bochy said of his catcher, who is slashing .257/.324/.370. “We knew it was probably going to be a little different in terms of his workload, which it has been. I think the farther away he gets, next spring you’re going to see a guy that’s more comfortable carrying a heavier workload but also swinging the bat.”
Bochy on just how crushing Monday’s loss was:
“Those are the games you don’t miss. They’re gut-wrenching. Two-run lead, your guy [Madison Bumgarner] pitched a great game and you can’t hold on to it.
“… Those are the games I’ve said where when I walk across the street, I don’t look for the Muni. My thinking is I’ll feel better if it hits me.”
The Giants designated lefty Williams Jerez for assignment to activate Johnny Cueto.