Already without Brandon Belt (broken left thumb) and Angel Pagan (sprained AC joint), the Giants put out a lineup that was also missing Buster Posey. The catcher is listed as day-to-day with nerve irritation in his lower back, but Posey was hopeful that he would be back behind the plate by the end of this three-game series. Posey suffered the injury during a funky swing in Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins, and said his back stiffened up Monday.
"I really don't think it's anything super serious," Posey said. "I don't foresee it being an issue more than a couple of days."
The organization's actions spoke louder than words. The Giants considered calling up a third catcher, but Posey was cleared to back up Hector Sanchez on Tuesday and was available as a pinch hitter.
Pagan also was available off the bench after taking swings in an indoor batting cage. He sprained his shoulder on an attempt at a diving catch Saturday but is expected to be back in the starting lineup Wednesday.
"The two days off really have helped dramatically," Bochy said.
The news was also good for right-hander Tim Hudson, who got the green light after throwing a bullpen session. Hudson missed his last start with a hip strain but will make his scheduled start in Thursday's series finale.
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