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Bochy praises Arroyo for fitting Giants mold defensively

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SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants have trotted out 33 different defensive lineups in just 40 games this season, and the most common one has been used just three times.

Of course Bruce Bochy would love to have as much stability as possible, but as long as the faces on the field are generally the same, defensive versatility can only help his squad when injuries, slumps, or regular rest call for it.

San Francisco’s newest everyday contributor, 21-year-old Christian Arroyo, is the perfect embodiment of the defensive flexibility that Bochy looks for in his younger players. With Arroyo set to make his first MLB start at 2nd base on Tuesday night against the Dodgers, Bochy said he feels comfortable with the former first-round pick’s ability to hold down the position when called upon.

“He played a little bit there in spring training, I think he’ll be fine there,” Bochy said. “I’ve been wanting to give Joe (Panik) a day off.”

Arroyo was drafted as a shortstop and played there primarily in the minors, but he figures to be the Giants’ long-term 3rd baseman. When Brandon Crawford went down with an injury at the end of April though, Arroyo slid over to play eight games at short.

The Dodgers are sending southpaw Rich Hill to the mound on Tuesday, so Bochy gave the left-handed Panik the night off and slid Arroyo into his spot. Arroyo will play his third different position in just his 22nd game with the Giants on Tuesday, but it won’t be unfamiliar for him. He played 48 games at 2nd base in the minor leagues, including three at Triple-A Sacramento earlier this year.

Bochy said the Giants have put increased emphasis on drafting and developing versatile players in the past few years, because it helps both themselves and the team.

“We try to keep these guys versatile,” Bochy said. “You don’t know where they’re gonna be needed up here. And it’s the best way for them to maybe get at-bats.”

Recently added outfielders Mac Williamson and Justin Ruggiano also have the versatility Bochy is looking for, he said. Both can play the corner outfield spots, which has helped in Hunter Pence’s absence the past few games.

In other pregame notes ahead of Tuesday’s game, where the Giants are seeking their fifth straight win, Mark Melancon should be activated from the DL on Friday. He’s thrown each of the last two days and will throw again tomorrow before the team has a day off on Thursday. When the Giants begin a series in St. Louis on Friday, Bochy said Melancon will be ready to go “full bore.”

First pitch Tuesday is set for 7:15 p.m. and Ty Blach (0-2, 4.88 ERA) will face off against Hill (1-1, 3.38 ERA).