Cody Glenn-USA TODAY Sports
Pablo Sandoval has been spotted with a large ice pack on his throwing elbow the past few days. There is an explanation beyond soreness.
“There’s a little bit of inflammation in the right elbow,” Bruce Bochy said Sunday, before the Giants took on the Phillies at Oracle Park. “Trying to rest him, get him healthy. … With some treatment, we’re hoping he’ll be good to go.”
Bochy did not know if it the “loose chips” would need surgery after the season. Sandoval has not started since Monday — though he has pinch-hit, and Bochy said he would be available Sunday — and has been dealing with the inflammation for “a while.” The Giants have an off-day Monday, so he’s getting some time to rest.
Sandoval, who has spent much of the season as a pinch-hitting threat, has kept on hitting. He’s 8-for-26 (.308) with three doubles this month.
With the Giants off Monday, Bochy said the Giants would take a hard look at their lineup — particularly at leadoff, where Brandon Belt has struggled.
“There may come a point where we give him a change of scenery,” Bochy said.
As a leadoff man, Belt is slashing .230/.310/.286.
Bochy said Alex Dickerson’s rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento, set for Tuesday, will depend on how he feels Monday. With the pregame festivities for the 1989 team, Dickerson couldn’t get on the field Sunday.
“Hit in the cage,” Bochy said. “If [Monday] goes well, we’re going to DH him Tuesday in Sacramento.”
Bochy said the rehab could last a single day. Sacramento heads to Reno after the game.