New nickname incoming pic.twitter.com/5LYqDUM7ff
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 7, 2018
On Friday night, Buster Posey was removed in the third inning of the Giants’ 6-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks with a possible concussion, after he was hit by a foul tip. It left Nick Hundley as the Giants’ only active catcher on the roster, and people wondering who Bochy would throw behind the plate if Hundley were to be injured.
There was speculation that the Giants’ utility man, Chase d’Arnaud, might be the backup catcher. On Monday night, Bochy confirmed that in true Bochy fashion.
“The flying Frenchman,” Bochy said. “He would’ve been behind the plate, d’Arnaud. I thought maybe he had caught a little bit because of his brother (Travis d’Arnaud), bloodlines, but he’s never been behind the plate. But he said he would be more than willing to get back there.”
Bochy also talked about the impending return of Brandon Belt, a player whose absence from a bone bruise in his right knee – along with Pablo Sandoval’s season-ending right hamstring tear – has meant d’Arnaud and Austin Slater have spent time at first.
“If I had to guess, he’s probably about a week away,” Bochy said. “He did some running on the treadmill, he’s taken some swings. He’s just doing more and more each day, so progress is going well with him right now.”
It isn’t yet clear whether Belt will spend any time in the minor leagues on rehab assignments.
“I’d say right now that could be doubtful, but we will see where we’re at,” Bochy said. “If we think he needs a few at-bats down there, we’ll do it, but he hasn’t missed all that much time. We haven’t made that call yet.”
The Giants have also been without starter Jeff Samardzija, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list July 15, and received an MRI and plasma-rich platelet (PRP) shot for inflammation in his right shoulder July 16. Bochy said Samardzija is also progressing.
“Jeff, he threw 30 pitches today,” Bochy said. “He will throw again in a pen on Thursday and then the first day in L.A., he will face hitters. If all goes well, then he can start his rehab after that first game in L.A.”
The Giants will open a six-game homestand starting Monday night with a 7:15 p.m. game against the Houston Astros.