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San Francisco Giants

8/15/2006

Kevin Frandsen, sfo

Manager Felipe Alou has to wait until Tuesday to start infielder Kevin Frandsen, who was recalled Monday from Triple-A Fresno. The left side of Frandsen's face was still swollen when he arrived at Petco Park, the result of a fouled bunt that ricocheted off his face. Alou said that Frandsen will start at either shortstop or second base.

8/5/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds hit his 723rd career home run with a solo shot to center in the seventh inning of the San Francisco Giants' 5-2 win over the Colorado Rockies Friday. It was his first homer since July 20 against the San Diego Padres, ending a span of 26 at-bats without another. Bonds has 15 homers this season and went 1-for-3 Friday. He's batting .241 with 46 RBIs this season.

8/2/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds did not play in the Giants 4-1 loss to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday due to swelling in his right knee and is listed as day-to-day. Moises Alou replaced Bonds in left field during the loss and Randy Winn played in right.

7/24/2006

Steve Finley, sfo

Finley became the 82nd player with 2,500 hits with a bloop single Sunday.

7/22/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds left Friday's 8-2 victory over San Diego with a bruised left knee after getting hit with a pitch by Padres starter Jake Peavy. The Giants' slugger remained in the game after getting plunked in the first inning and had a leadoff single in the third, but left when he had trouble running. He is listed as day-to-day.

7/21/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds hit his 722nd career homer in Thursday's 9-3 victory over San Diego. The Giants' slugger passed Babe Ruth for second place on baseball's career list on May 28 and now trails Hank Aaron by 33 home runs.

7/20/2006

Shea Hillenbrand, sfo

Hillenbrand was cut by the Blue Jays on Wednesday night after he was chastised during a team meeting and refused to sit in the dugout with his teammates. Hours before, Hillenbrand criticized the organization and said he expected to be traded. The designated hitter and corner infielder was upset because he wasn't in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game and nobody in Toronto's front office congratulated him on adopting a baby girl last weekend.

7/16/2006

Lance Niekro, sfo

Niekro, the Giants' starting first baseman on opening day, was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Sunday before San Francisco's game against Philadelphia. Niekro has been on the disabled list three times over the past two years, and has struggled since his most recent trip to the DL with a strained groin.

7/15/2006

Vinnie Chulk, sfo

Chulk was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse Saturday to take Ty Taubenheim's place on the roster.

7/8/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds wasn't in the Giants' lineup on Saturday against Los Angeles because of a sore right knee, but hopes to play in Sunday's series finale. He said he twisted the knee in his first at-bat on Friday, but still managed to hit his 720th career home run in his second at-bat of San Francisco's 9-7 loss to the Dodgers.

7/7/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

San Francisco activated Alou from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday and sent left-hander Jack Taschner to Triple-A Fresno. Alou had been sidelined since June 17 with a strained back and also missed 28 games earlier in the year with a sprained ankle. The 40-year-old left fielder went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Thursday against the Dodgers and is batting .317 with nine homers and 32 RBIs in 35 games this season.

7/5/2006

Mike Stanton, sfo

Stanton made his 1,072nd appearance on Tuesday, breaking a tie with Dennis Eckersley for third place on the all-time list. Jesse Orosco is the career leader with 1,252 games pitched, followed by John Franco's 1,119.

Jack Taschner, sfo

The Giants recalled Taschner from Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday and optioned Kevin Frandsen to their top farm club.

7/3/2006

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt was selected to his third All-Star team Sunday as one of the eight starting pitchers on the National League roster. He is 6-3 with a 2.73 ERA this season.

7/2/2006

Tim Worrell, sfo

Worrell was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a bulging disc in his neck. The move is retroactive to June 28.

Brian Wilson, sfo

Wilson was recalled from Triple-A Fresno on Saturday for the third time this season when Tim Worrell was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

6/29/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

After being scratched from Wednesday's lineup, Alou was placed on the disabled list with a strained lower back. The Giants' right fielder has not played since June 17 and was expected to return Tuesday, but instead landed on the DL, retroactive to June 18. "It's not too good," said Alou, who had a cortisone shot Monday. The shot helped "a little bit, but it's kind of coming back."

Lance Niekro, sfo

Niekro was recalled from Triple-A Fresno on Wednesday. The 27-year-old first baseman, who had been on a rehab assignment, hit two homers in the Grizzlies' 4-2 win over Sacramento earlier in the day. "We need Niekro here," Giants manager Felipe Alou said. "Especially when you have back-to-back lefty starters."

6/28/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds returned to the lineup for Tuesday's 5-3 win over Texas after leaving Sunday's game with irritation in his left knee. The Giants' left fielder was 1-for-1 with three walks in the victory. Bonds also said Tuesday that he hasn't heard yet from former Sen. George Mitchell in his independent investigation of steroids in baseball.

6/26/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against Texas after being sidelined for seven games with lower back trouble. The Giants' right fielder declared himself ready to play Sunday, but his father Felipe Alou, the Giants manager, opted to keep him out of the loss to Oakland to give him two more days rest coupled with Monday's off day.

6/25/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds left Sunday's 10-4 loss to Oakland after the second inning with irritation in his left knee and is day-to-day. The Giants' left fielder underwent surgery on his left knee after the 2004 season and had three operations on his right knee last year. Bonds hit his 719th career home run a day earlier in an 8-7 win over the Athletics.

6/20/2006

Matt Cain, sfo

Cain carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning and struck out a career-high 10 batters as San Francisco beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 on Monday night. The rookie right-hander allowed no hits through 7 2-3 innings before Chone Figgins lined a clean single to center to break up the bid. It was the longest no-hit bid in the majors this season.

6/14/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds returned to the Giants' lineup for Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks and went 0-for-3 with a walk. The left fielder is expected to take the day off on Wednesday before returning on Thursday. The Giants are planning on using him as a designated hitter when they visit Seattle this weekend for a three-game series.

6/10/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds is expected to resume play next week when the San Francisco Giants go on the road. He is expected to miss his fourth straight game on Saturday and will have played just once since hitting home run No. 716 last Monday. Bonds has been suffering with a sore left side and the team decided not to rush the left fielder's return. "With three more days that (injury) should heal completely," manager Felipe Alou said.

6/7/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds reportedly tweaked his left side last weekend and as the injury has worsened as the San Francisco Giants slugger played through the pain in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Florida Marlins. Bonds was scheduled for an off day Wednesday though his status for an upcoming four-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates is in question.

6/6/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou was activated from the disabled list by the Giants on Monday. He is expected to return to the lineup against the Florida Marlins on Tuesday. The right fielder has missed 28 games with a sprained ankle he suffered during the Giants' 8-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on May 5.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt was named the NL pitcher of the month for May, as he went 4-0 with a 1.17 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 46 innings over six starts for the Giants. The right-hander is expected to take the mound against the Florida Marlins on Tuesday.

Kevin Frandsen, sfo

Frandsen was options to Triple-A Fresno by the Giants on Monday, as the team needed to make room for the return of Moises Alou from the disabled list.

6/5/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou is expected to start for the Giants against the Florida Marlins on Monday. The right fielder has missed 27 games with a sprained right ankle he suffered during the Giants' 8-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on May 5.

6/3/2006

Mike Matheny, sfo

Matheny was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday with a concussion, a move that was retroactive to Thursday. The Giants' catcher left Wednesday's game against Florida in the third inning after getting hit by a foul tip. Matheny, a four-time Gold Glove winner, was examined by a specialist in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

5/30/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds was scratched from the San Francisco Giants lineup Tuesday one day after saying health would be one of the keys to whether or not he plays long enough to have a chance to break Hank Aaron's home run record. Bonds reportedly told Giants manager Felipe Alou three hours before Tuesday's game against the Florida Marlins that he had tightness in his back. Alou didn't rule out the possibility Bonds would pinch-hit Tuesday.

5/28/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds hit his 715th career home run in the fourth inning of the Giants' 6-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday to pass Babe Ruth for second on the all-time home run list. The left fielder hit the homer off Colorado's Byung-Hyun Kim.

5/21/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds tied Babe Ruth for second place on the career home run list 1t 714 Saturday, ending a nine-game homerless stretch with a shot into the first deck of the elevated stands in right-center during San Francisco's 4-2, 10-inning victory over the Oakland Athletics.

Lance Niekro, sfo

Niekro was put on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday after the first baseman's right shoulder failed to heal as quickly as the San Francisco Giants had hoped. The move is retroactive to May 15.

5/16/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Although Bonds collected his first extra-base hit in seven games -- a double in San Francisco's 10-1 win over Houston Monday -- the slugger remains homerless and has a .095 average (2-for-21) in that span. He may be slugging .143 in those seven games, but he's drawn nine walks for a .367 on-base percentage. For the month of May, Bonds is batting .154 (6-for-39) with two home runs and three RBIs.

5/15/2006

Brad Hennessey, sfo

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Hennessey will return to the Giants' rotation Monday night. He gets the start ahead of rookie Matt Cain, who has been struggling most of the season. Hennessey worked two scoreless innings in relief last week against the Cubs, and is 2-1 with a 3.08 ERA in four starts and a relief appearance this season.

Matt Cain, sfo

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Cain will not make his scheduled start Monday against the Houston Astros. The highly touted rookie has been struggling and Brad Hennessey will make the start instead. Cain has allowed 13 earned runs over his last two outings, and he's 1-5 with a 7.04 ERA in seven starts this season.

5/12/2006

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham is expected to come off the 15-day disabled list Friday and play against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a weekend series between the Giants and Dodgers. Durham's return, after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury, seems all but certain after the Giants optioned second-base prospect Kevin Frandsen to Triple-A Fresno following their 9-3 victory over the Cubs on Thursday.

Kevin Frandsen, sfo

Frandsen, a top prospect in the San Francisco Giants' system, was optioned back to Triple-A Fresno Thursday night after filling in for the injured Ray Durham. Frandsen hit .250 in 44 at-bats with a double and two RBIs. He produced his first major league RBIs Thursday in the Giants' 9-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

5/10/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

The San Jose Mercury News is reporting that Alou will be sidelined four to six weeks with the sprained right ankle he injured in San Francisco's 8-3 loss to Philadelphia Friday night. An MRI exam Monday didn't reveal any bone fractures, but Alou still will miss at least a month.

5/9/2006

Jeff Fassero, sfo

The San Francisco Giants activated Noah Lowry from the disabled list Monday and designated Fassero for assignment to make room for Lowry on the pitching staff. The 43-year-old Fassero, who has posted a 7.80 ERA in 10 appearances this season, is contemplating retirement.

Noah Lowry, sfo

The San Francisco Giants activated Lowry from the disabled list Monday, and the 25-year-old left-hander allowed just two runs over seven innings of a 7-5 win over Houston Monday night. Lowry, who had been on the DL since April 7 with a strained muscle in his right side, earned his first win of 2006. He is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two starts.

5/8/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds turned on a Jon Lieber pitch Sunday night and drove it off the facade of the right-field upper deck of Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park for the 713th home run of his career. The Giants' slugger moved within one of Babe Ruth's 714 homers with a 450-foot blast in San Francisco's 9-5 loss to the Phillies.

5/6/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou was carted off the field in Friday's 8-3 loss to the Phillies after stumbling in the right-field corner while chasing a foul fly in the third.

5/4/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

As he often does with his injury issues, Bonds sat out San Francisco's day game against Milwaukee Thursday after playing in the Giants' 2-0 win Wednesday night. Bonds said he anticipated playing every game of the Giants' five-game road trip, but he was out Thursday when he awoke with a headache that was the byproduct of getting hit in the head by a ball during batting practice on Wednesday.

Noah Lowry, sfo

Lowry, on the disabled list since April 7 with a strained muscle in his right side, gave up three runs and five hits in six innings for Triple-A Fresno Wednesday night. After his Triple-A outing, the San Francisco left-hander said he expects to rejoin the Giants and pitch Monday against the Houston Astros at AT&T Park.

5/3/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds hit No. 712 Tuesday, driving a solo shot 440 feet to straightaway center in San Francisco's 5-3 loss to San Diego at AT&T Park. The Giants' slugger hit his homer in the eighth inning off the Padres' Scott Linebrink to move within two homers of Babe Ruth's 714.

4/29/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds went 2-for-4 on Friday against the Diamondbacks, hitting a bases-clearing double that moved him past Babe Ruth into third on the career extra-base hits list. Bonds has 1,356 extra-base hits. He had four RBIs in Friday's game and is batting .267 with three homers and nine RBIs this season.

Shea Hillenbrand, sfo

Hillenbrand left Saturday's 17-6 loss to the Yankees after colliding with Gary Sheffield at first base. Sheffield ran into the back of the head of the Toronto first baseman and they both fell to the ground. The Blue Jays said he will undergo a CT scan. Lyle Overbay took Hillenbrand's place at first.

4/26/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds collected his 711th career homer Wednesday afternoon, forcing extra innings with a two-run, two-out shot in the ninth against Mets closer Billy Wagner. The slugger's home run, his third in five games, leaves him three shy of Babe Ruth's 714.

4/25/2006

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou homered and drove in five runs in the Giants' 6-2 win over the New York Mets on Monday. The 39-year-old San Francisco right fielder finished 3-for-4 to raise his average to .327 this season.

Brian Wilson, sfo

Wilson was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Giants on Monday with a strained muscle in his left side. The 24-year-old right-hander made his major league debut Sunday against the Colorado Rockies and pitched two scoreless frames in San Francisco's 3-2 loss in 10 innings.

4/23/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds hit his first homer of the season on Saturday night in the Giants' 6-4 victory over the Rockies at Coors Field. It was his 709th career home run, moving him within five of Babe Ruth for second place all-time.

Matt Morris, sfo

Morris was ejected in the first inning of his start against Colorado on Sunday after hitting two of the first five batters he faced. Giants manager Felipe Alou and pitching coach Dave Righetti were also ejected. Morris may have been retaliating for an incident Saturday night in which Colorado pitcher Jose Mesa plunked Giants shortstop Omar Vizquel in the eighth inning.

4/21/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds sat out a second straight game Thursday, sparking speculation that he is bothered by an old or new injury. Manager Felipe Alou said his slugging left fielder is fine and will play Friday night at Colorado.

4/20/2006

Tim Worrell, sfo

Worrell has been terrific as San Francisco's closer, converting all six of his opportunities and posting a 1.23 ERA over 7 1/3 innings. While he has allowed just one run and five hits, his save chances may decline with Armando Benitez expected to come off the disabled list on Thursday.

Armando Benitez, sfo

The San Francisco Giants expect to activate Benitez on Thursday. The Giants' closer has been on the disabled list with left knee bursitis that has bothered him since early March. To make room on the roster, the Giants optioned left-hander Jack Taschner to Triple-A Fresno.

Lance Niekro, sfo

Niekro, who has been on the bereavement list and last played on Sunday, may return to the San Francisco Giants as soon as Thursday. The Giants are in Arizona, where they will take on the Diamondbacks Thursday night. Niekro is batting .212 with a homer and five RBIs in 11 games.

4/7/2006

Kevin Correia, sfo

The San Francisco Giants placed left-handed starter Noah Lowry on the 15-day disabled list Friday and recalled Correia from Triple-A Fresno to take his place on the roster. A right-hander, Correia will work out of the bullpen for now, as the Giants don't need a fifth starter until their April 15 game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Noah Lowry, sfo

Lowry was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained muscle in his right side Friday, a day after he was hurt in the second inning of his first start of the year. The 25-year-old left-hander came up lame throwing a 1-2 pitch to the Braves' Brian Jordan in the Giants' 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves Thursday.

4/6/2006

Noah Lowry, sfo

Lowry, who signed a four-year deal with the San Francisco Giants Sunday, left his start against Atlanta Thursday with a muscle strain in his lower back. The 25-year-old left-hander grabbed his right side after throwing a 1-2 pitch to the Braves' Brian Jordan in the second inning. Lowry was replaced by Jeff Fassero. Lowry will be re-evaluated on Friday.

4/2/2006

Noah Lowry, sfo

The Giants re-signed Lowry to a four-year contract on Sunday. The left-hander is guaranteed at least $9.25 million. The 25-year-old Lowry led San Francisco with 13 wins, 204.2 innings pitched, a 3.78 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 2005.

3/27/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds, bothered by an inflamed left elbow, was examined by two doctors Sunday. The Giants' slugger will give his elbow and surgically repaired right knee a rest for at least a few days. He might not take another Cactus League swing in Arizona. The Giants break camp on Wednesday, host the Angels in San Francisco Thursday and play at Oakland Saturday.

3/25/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds was scratched from the San Francisco Giants' lineup Saturday against the Chicago White Sox, due to a strained left elbow. He took batting practice with the team prior to the game, but underwent treatment afterwards. The Giants' trainer said the move was precautionary.

3/19/2006

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez threw a side session on Saturday and reported no pain. The Giants closer has a swollen left knee that required a cortisone injection Tuesday. Benitez likely will be ready by Opening Day.

3/15/2006

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez has a swollen left knee that required a cortisone injection Tuesday. The Giants' closer received the injection after an MRI exam. He won't be able to throw off a mound for at least a few days. Even if he misses as much as a week, Giants trainer Stan Conte said Benitez should be ready for the season opener against San Diego on April 3. The right-hander was bothered by knee discomfort warming up before a game Sunday but pitched anyway.

3/12/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds started in left field and homered for the Giants on Sunday in just his second spring-training game. Bonds, who fanned in his other at-bat, played four innings before departing.

3/9/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

The Barry Watch continues. With fans booing his first plate appearance in spring training in two years, Bonds struck out on six pitches. He singled sharply in a third-inning at-bat before leaving the game in the fourth.

3/7/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds will be implicated in a Sports Illustrated story this week as being a user of a vast array of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormones. The article is an excerpt of a book, "Game of Shadows," which is scheduled to be published on March 27. The book is based on a two-year investigation that includes documents and testimony surrounding the BALCO scandal.

3/6/2006

Kirk Rueter, sfo

Rueter, who went unsigned during the offseason, retired on Monday. The 35-year-old left-hander was 2-7 with a 5.95 ERA with the San Francisco Giants last season before he was designated for assignment on Aug. 14.

2/28/2006

Randy Winn, sfo

Winn and the San Francisco Giants agreed to a three-year, $23.25 million extension Tuesday, which locks up the veteran outfielder through 2009. He gets a $3 million signing bonus in addition to his $5 million salary already in place for 2006. He is expected to make $4 million in 2007, $8 million in 2008 and $8.25 million in 2009.

2/27/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds could play his first spring training game in two years Friday, when the San Francisco Giants take on the Milwaukee Brewers. Giants manager Felipe Alou says he is uncertain if he will play his top slugger as an outfielder or a designated hitter, but he is likely to play if his right knee is up to it.

2/12/2006

Shea Hillenbrand, sfo

Hillenbrand reached a one-year, $5.8 million contract agreement with the Blue Jays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration.

1/23/2006

Barry Bonds, sfo

After hearing reports that Giants manager Felipe Alou told Giants fans that he was thinking about using the seven-time MVP in the No. 2 hole to get him more at-bats, Bonds said he doesn't want to bat second in the lineup. "I am going to speak with Felipe, because at this point in my career it doesn't work for me to be second bat," Bonds told the Dominican newspaper El Caribe for its Sunday editions.

12/28/2005

Mike Stanton, sfo

Stanton signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Washington Nationals.

Jose Vizcaino, sfo

Vizcaino signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. In 187 at-bats with the Houston Astros last year, the 17-year veteran hit .246/.299/.337 with one home run and 23 RBIs.

12/22/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have traded Finley to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for veteran infielder Edgardo Alfonzo. The 40-year-old outfielder struggled in 112 games last season, batting a career-worst .222 with 12 home runs, 54 RBIs and eight stolen bases.

12/8/2005

Mark Sweeney, sfo

Sweeney agreed to terms with the San Francisco Giants on a $1.8 million, two-year deal on Thursday. The 36-year-old outfielder/first baseman batted .294 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs for the Padres in 2005.

12/6/2005

Steve Kline, sfo

Kline was traded to the San Francisco Giants for LaTroy Hawkins on Tuesday evening. The left-hander spent the 2005 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles after logging four seasons with the Cardinals, three-plus seasons with the Expos and half of a season with the Indians.

12/1/2005

Tim Worrell, sfo

After two years away, Worrell rejoins the San Francisco Giants. The 38-year-old reliever signed a two-year, $4 million contract on Thursday. His 2005 season was shortened by a two-month stay on the disabled list for what he called "personal psychological issues." He was traded from Philadelphia to Arizona in July, and he finished 1-2 with a 4.07 ERA and a save in 51 games for both clubs.

10/28/2005

Jeff Fassero, sfo

Fassero will return to the San Francisco Giants in 2006, as the 43-year-old lefthander has agreed to a one-year contract. He posted his best numbers since 2001, going 4-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 48 appearances for the Giants.

10/27/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou exercised his $4 million option to return to the San Francisco Giants in 2006. The 39-year-old outfielder batted .321 with 19 home runs and 63 RBI in 123 games for the Giants. He missed two weeks in April with a calf injury and battled groin and hamstring ailments during the second half.

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham exercised his player option to return to the San Francisco Giants in 2006. The second baseman will earn $7 million. In 2005, he hit .290 with a .356 on-base percentage and 33 doubles in 142 games for the Giants.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

The San Francisco Giants exercised their $10 million option on Schmidt for the 2006 season. The 32-year-old righthander was 12-7 with a 4.40 ERA in his fourth full season with the Giants. He missed two weeks in May with shoulder stiffness and battled a groin injury over the final month of the 2005 campaign.

Randy Winn, sfo

The San Francisco Giants exercised their $5 million option on Winn for 2006. The veteran outfielder was acquired from Seattle in a July 30 trade. With Seattle and San Francisco, Winn batted .306 with a career-high 20 home runs and 63 RBI. He scored 85 runs in 160 games.

10/2/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Giants manager Felipe Alou, on Saturday, said that Bonds will not be in the team's lineup on Sunday. Bonds has stated that he will retire from baseball should he have to undergo surgery on his knee. It's entirely possible that Thursday's game where Bonds went two for three in the teams' 9-1 loss to the Padres was the future hall of famer's last game ever.

9/29/2005

Mike Stanton, sfo

The Red Sox acquired Stanton from the Washington Nationals on Thursday for righthanded teenagers Rhys Taylor and Yader Peralta. The 38-year-old southpaw was 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA in 27.2 innings for the Nationals, following his release by the New York Yankees at the end of the first half. He was 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA for New York before the break.

Shea Hillenbrand, sfo

Hillenbrand suffered ligament damage to a knuckle on his left hand Tuesday night, and Toronto's designated hitter has been shut down for the remainder of the season. It's possible the injury will require offseason surgery. Hillenbrand, who batted .291 with 18 home runs and 82 RBI on the season, is leading the Jays in runs (91), doubles (36) and hits (173).

9/27/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds stated that he will retire from baseball should he have to undergo another surgery on his knee.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

San Francisco manager Felipe Alou hopes that Schmidt's strained right groin will heal enough to enable him to start on Wednesday night against San Diego. That is, if the Giants-Padres matchup still has playoff implications.

9/22/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds homered for a fourth straight game on Wednesday night, drilling a two-run shot in the first inning to spark a 5-1 San Francisco win over Washington. In his last four games, the Giants' slugger is 5-for-12 (.417) with four dingers and six RBI. He now has 707 career home runs.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt's tender groin continues to be a factor, and the San Francisco ace will not make his Friday start in Denver. Last Saturday, Schmidt aggravated a groin injury during warmups and still pitched five innings against the Dodgers. Righthander Matt Kinney will get the start against the Rockies.

Matt Kinney, sfo

Kinney, who has been effective in three September appearances in the San Francisco bullpen, will start in place of injured righthander Jason Schmidt on Friday. Kinney will be making his first major league start since May 2004. He is 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA in 8.2 innings for the Giants this season.

9/20/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds has homered in his third straight game. After hitting home run No. 705 on Sunday, Bonds took Nationals pitcher Livan Hernandez deep into the upper deck at RFK Stadium for his 706th career home run. Bonds now stands only eight home runs shy of tying Babe Ruth for second on the all-time list.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

There's still a chance that Schmidt will make his scheduled start on Friday in Colorado, but the Giants' coaching staff is likely to be conservative in how it proceeds with his aggravated groin injury. On Saturday, the Giants' ace tweaked the groin during warmups and still pitched five innings against the Dodgers.

9/18/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds made it two in a row on Sunday, homering in San Francisco's 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants' slugger splashed a home run into McCovey Cove for the first time this season. His 705th career homer led off the eighth inning, putting the Giants up by the final margin. Bonds, who is 5-for-16 (.313) with three RBI on the season, hit No. 704 on Saturday.

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou is in San Francisco's starting lineup Sunday, batting fifth against Elmer Dessens and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants' right fielder has come around well from a left groin strain he suffered a week ago. It was thought he would be available for pinch-hitting duty only over the weekend. Alou is batting .316 with 17 homers and 54 RBI in 109 games this season.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Saturday's start never looked like a sure thing all week, and Schmidt probably shouldn't have faced the Los Angeles Dodgers. He tweaked his groin injury while warming up before the game, and just couldn't walk off the field without throwing a pitch. Although his fastball came in as much as 10 MPH slower at times, Schmidt was in control for five innings, allowing one run and leaving a 1-1 tie with LA. The Giants went on to win, 2-1.

9/17/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds hit his first home run of the season, and 704th of his career, in the first inning of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a solo shot off of Brad Penny.

9/16/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Despite suffering a left groin strain on Sunday, Alou is doing well enough that he could be used as a pinch-hitter over the weekend. Giants manager Felipe Alou said his son may be available to take a few hacks off the bench against the Dodgers.

9/15/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou said Wednesday that the groin he injured over the weekend is doing much better. The Giants' outfielder believes he may be able to return next week.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt's progress in rehabbing a groin injury hasn't been as encouraging as it was a few days ago, and a Saturday start for the Giants' ace seems less certain. Team trainer Stan Conte was encouraged by Schmidt's bullpen stints early in the week, but the righthander will have to be throwing with closer to maximum effort with better velocity over the next day or two to be ready to face the Dodgers on Saturday.

9/14/2005

Jason Schmidt, sfo

San Francisco trainer Stan Conte said there's a chance that Schmidt may be ready to pitch on Saturday, after the Giants' ace worked off a mound for a second day in a row on Tuesday. Conte emphasized that Schmidt would have to continue to make more progress in the rehab of his right groin for a Saturday start against the Dodgers to become a reality.

9/13/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Debuting in 2005 with an 11-pitch at-bat against San Diego's Adam Eaton on Monday, Bonds drilled a 3-2 pitch for a second-inning double that fell just shy of clearing the wall in left-center field. His near-miss double was his only hit in four at-bats, though his Giants claimed a 4-1 win over the Padres.

Moises Alou, sfo

San Francisco trainer Stan Conte on Monday described Alou's left groin strain, suffered during the Giants' loss to the Cubs Sunday, as "fairly significant." It's possible the injury could sideline Alou for the rest of the season.

Jason Ellison, sfo

Ellison has been nursing an oblique strain that has kept him from getting an at-bat since August 31. The rookie outfielder said Monday that he still feels the injury when he swings a bat or plays defensively. Ellison has played in the field, but he has been limited to hitting soft-toss pitches on the sidelines. He is expected to take batting practice in the next day or two.

9/12/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

The San Francisco Giants have activated Bonds from the disabled list, setting the stage for his 2005 debut on Monday night against the San Diego Padres. The Giants' slugger is expected to start and bat fourth for the Giants at SBC Park.

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou suffered a groin strain in San Francisco's loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, and at the very least, the Giants' left fielder will be out of the lineup Monday night against San Diego. He was injured scoring on a wild pitch, tying the score at 2-2, though the Cubs prevailed 3-2.

Randy Winn, sfo

Winn went 8-for-17 (.471) with four doubles and a homer against Cubs pitching during a four-game series that concluded on Sunday. The Giants' leadoff man now has multihit performances in five straight games, with a double in each one. In 10 games this month, Winn has eight multihit games and he's batting .500 (20-for-40) with seven doubles, a triple, four homers and 10 runs scored.

Todd Linden, sfo

Linden looked the Giants' outfielder who would sit when Barry Bonds returns to the San Francisco lineup on Monday. The plan was to move Moises Alou to right field and push Linden to the bench. That scenario is on hold -- at least temporarily -- after Alou suffered a groin injury on Sunday. He is likely to miss at least Monday's game, possibly a few more, so Linden probably remains in right field for the time being.

9/10/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds will be activated from the disabled list on Monday after he was medically cleared by Dr. Lewis Yocum. The outfielder, who has missed the entire 2005 season, took a day off Saturday after five straight days of on-field workouts to test his surgically repaired knee and overall health.

9/9/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

To be day-to-day is a good thing if you are Bonds, and that appears to be his status as the San Francisco Giants and baseball fans await the slugger's 2005 debut. He took batting practice for a fourth straight day Thursday, and also played catch in the outfield and ran the bases. Bonds will consult with doctors before a similar workout on Friday, and it's possible he will be cleared to be activated before the Giants' weekend series with the Cubs is completed on Sunday.

9/8/2005

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt left Wednesday's game against the Dodgers in the fifth inning after straining his right groin.

9/7/2005

Noah Lowry, sfo

Lowry was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for August after winning all five of his starts and posting a 0.69 ERA over 39.1 innings. He struck out 33 while ceding just nine walks and 22 hits.

9/6/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

There is speculation that Bonds will be activated in the next few days, possibly as soon as Tuesday, before the Giants face the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. He will be examined by specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum on Tuesday, and a determination on when he will make his 2005 debut may be made then. Bonds experienced some minor swelling after working out with his teammates before Monday's game, but physical therapist Clive Brewster said that was normal and expected.

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez converted his eighth save in as many opportunities since returning from the disabled list on August 18, to preserve a 3-1 Giants' win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

9/5/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

On Monday, Bonds took batting practice and tested his throwing arm before the team opened a three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. The 41-year-old slugger took 17 swings and hit five balls over the fence during his turn in the batting cage.

Matt Cain, sfo

Cain secured his first major league win on Sunday, limiting Arizona to three hits and a single run over seven innings for a 3-2 San Francisco victory. The promising 20-year-old righthander is 1-1 after his first two big league starts, posting a 2.25 ERA against Colorado and Arizona.

9/4/2005

Kevin Correia, sfo

Correia is expected to miss his next scheduled start on Tuesday against the Dodgers with what is being termed a bone bruise in the back of his right shoulder. The San Francisco righthander left his last start after just two innings due to shoulder discomfort. Correia has started 10 games for the Giants this season, posting a 2-4 record with a 4.47 ERA.

9/3/2005

Justin Knoedler, sfo

The Giants purchased Knoedler's contract from Triple-A Fresno on Friday. The catcher has appeared in just one game with the big-league club so far this season.

Scott Munter, sfo

The Giants activated Munter from the 15-day disabled list on Friday. The reliever, who has been sidelined with pain in his pitching elbow since mid-August, is having a fine season for San Francisco, going 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA in 44 appearances.

8/31/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds has been taking light batting practice, a first step in the resumption of baseball activities for the San Francisco Giants' slugger. Last week, Bonds began doing sprints and drills involving cuts while running. On Wednesday, Giants GM Brian Sabean will talk with orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum, who has been working with Bonds in Los Angeles, and physical therapist Clive Brewster about a plan to get Bonds ready to play again.

Omar Vizquel, sfo

Vizquel was on the San Francisco Giants' bench Tuesday, suffering from a tension headache that also produced dizziness. With backup shortstop Deivi Cruz dealt to Washington on the same day, the Giants recalled Angel Chavez from Triple-A Fresno to start at short.

Angel Chavez, sfo

With Omar Vizquel battling a tension headache and backup Deivi Cruz traded to Washington on Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants recalled Chavez from Triple-A Fresno to start at short Tuesday night against Colorado. The 24-year-old infielder was 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his major league debut.

8/30/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

First baseman Darin Erstad has been asked by Angels manager Mike Scioscia to start stretching out his arm for a possible return to the outfield. The request is fueling speculation that the Angels will move Finley to the bench, replacing him with Erstad and creating an opening for Casey Kotchman at first base.

Jamey Wright, sfo

Wright is expected to be dropped from the Colorado rotation this week. The 30-year-old righthander is 6-16 with a 5.71 ERA in 26 starts and a relief appearance for Colorado. In his last 12 outings, he is 2-8 with a 6.00 ERA.

8/29/2005

Jason Ellison, sfo

The San Francisco Giants recalled Ellison from Triple-A Fresno Sunday. The 27-year-old outfielder has spent most of the season with the Giants, batting .277 with a .331 on-base percentage in 112 games. He returns to take the roster spot vacated by traded outfielder Michael Tucker.

8/23/2005

Noah Lowry, sfo

Lowry continued his recent run of success on Monday with another great outing. The Giants' lefthander shut out the Phillies for 8.2 innings and gave up only five hits en route to earning his fourth straight win and lowering his season ERA to 3.81.

8/22/2005

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez surrendered a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning of Sunday's victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, but it was enough to notch his first save since April 23. The Giants' veteran righthander, who was sidelined more than three months following early-May surgery to reattach two torn hamstring tendons to his pelvis, is slated to reclaim the team's closer role with Tyler Walker recently landing on the disabled list.

8/21/2005

Brian Cooper, sfo

Cooper has been recalled from Triple-A Fresno by the San Francisco Giants, filling the roster spot of injured reliever Tyler Walker. The righthander has pitched in just three games with the Giants this season, including one start. In those contests, he went 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA.

8/20/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou was back in the lineup Friday batting cleanup, after being activated from the disabled list. Sidelined since aug. 3 with a hamstring injury, Alou went 1-4 in his return and is now hitting .327 on the season.

Matt Morris, sfo

Matt Morris picked up career victory number 100 on Saturday as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the San Francisco Giants, 4-2. Morris, who has a career mark of 100-57, becomes the first Cardinals pitcher to pick up career win # 100 since Bob Forsch back in 1982.

8/18/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou, who has been sidelined the majority of the month with a nagging hamstring injury, is scheduled to be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for the Giants' weekend series against the Cardinals, which begins in St. Louis on Friday. The team has not indicated who will be sent down to open a roster spot for the veteran outfielder.

Noah Lowry, sfo

Lowry wanted to go the distance in Wednesday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds, but he was removed after 8.1 innings of work, due to a blister on the index finger of his pitching hand. Prior to his departure, the Giants' lefthander allowed two runs on seven hits, struck out seven and walked one to notch his third win in as many starts. Following the game, Lowry said the blister should heal in a couple of days, and he will be ready for his next scheduled outing.

8/17/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Earlier this month, Bonds indicated that it was unlikely that he would be able to play this season. However, the veteran outfielder changed his tune on Tuesday, claiming on his website that his troublesome knee has improved dramatically over the past couple of weeks, and barring any setbacks, he is optimistic that he will see some time with the Giants next month. If a return this season does not work out, Bonds has vowed to be ready for the 2006 campaign.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt matched his shortest outing of the 2005 campaign, lasting just 3.2 innings in Tuesday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds. The Giants' righthander, who had won his previous two starts, allowed seven runs on eight hits -- including two home runs -- before getting the hook in the fourth. He struck out four and walked four.

Todd Greene, sfo

Greene has been activated from the 60-day disabled list by the Rockies. He has been out of action since June 6, when he injured his hamstring while running the bases. Pitcher Ryan Speier was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for the catcher.

Pedro Feliz, sfo

Feliz finished a home run shy of hitting for the cycle in Tuesday's win over the Cincinnati Reds, but recorded a career high for hits in a game. The Giants' outfielder/third baseman was perfect at the plate on the night, going 5-for-5 with two doubles, a triple and four runs scored.

8/16/2005

Randy Winn, sfo

Winn went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and hit for the cycle in Monday's win over the Cincinnati Reds. The Giants' outfielder, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners last month, led off with a single, homered in the third, doubled in the fourth and finished off the feat with a triple in the sixth. He is the 21st player in Giants history to hit for the cycle.

8/15/2005

Armando Benitez, sfo

The San Francisco Giants activated Benitez from the 60-day disabled list Monday, far ahead of schedule following early-May surgery to reattach two torn hamstring tendons to his pelvis. He was 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA and four saves in eight games before he went on the DL.

Brian Cooper, sfo

The San Francisco Giants activated closer Armando Benitez from the 60-day disabled list Monday, and outrighted Cooper to Triple-A Fresno to make room for him. In a start and two relief appearances for the Giants, Cooper was 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA.

8/14/2005

Kirk Rueter, sfo

Shortly after being reactivated from the 15-day disabled list, Rueter was designated for assignment by the Giants.

8/12/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou's nagging right hamstring strain has landed him on the 15-day disabled list for the San Francisco Giants, retroactive to August 3. The veteran outfielder, who has been sidelined for more than a week, is fine when swinging a bat, but the leg limits him when he tries to run. He will be replaced on the roster by Todd Linden.

Todd Linden, sfo

Linden has been recalled from Triple-A Fresno by the San Francisco Giants, replacing veteran Moises Alou, who is on the shelf with a strained right hamstring. The 25-year-old outfielder has appeared in 17 games with the Giants this season, batting .172 with two home runs and seven RBI. He's fanned 20 times in 58 at-bats.

Scott Munter, sfo

Munter is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the cause of the pain and discomfort in his pitching elbow. The Giants' righthander, who aggravated the problem on Thursday, is will be placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday.

8/10/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou said he is fine when batting, but his sore and tight right hamstring continues to be a problem when he tries to run. As a result, there is a chance that the Giants will place the veteran outfielder on the 15-day disabled list in the near future. Alou has not been in the lineup since August 2, when he aggravated the injury.

8/8/2005

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez, who is coming back from early-May surgery to reattach two torn hamstring tendons to his pelvis, could be back as early as next weekend's series against the Florida Marlins, much ahead of the recovery schedule originally set. The Giants' reliever reported no problems after throwing a simulated game on Sunday -- his second in as many days.

8/7/2005

Jeff Fassero, sfo

Fassero may pick up a start on Sunday against Houston, as the scheduled starter, Brett Tomko, has been bothered by a bruised right heel that has forced him into a walking boot in recent days. Tomko definitely won't take the mound, so the Giants will be turning to someone else to face the Astros.

Kirk Rueter, sfo

The San Francisco Giants placed Rueter on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with gout in his right big toe. The move was retroactive to July 30. The Giants were going to send Rueter to the hill Sunday for injured righthander Brett Tomko, but the veteran lefty went on the DL instead. Rueter is 2-7 with a 5.95 ERA in 18 starts and two relief appearances. He hasn't pitched much since being relegated to the Giants' bullpen in mid-July.

Brian Cooper, sfo

On Sunday, the San Francisco Giants placed lefthander Kirk Rueter on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Cooper to make Sunday's start against Roger Clemens and the Houston Astros. The 31-year-old journeyman was the emergency starter in place of Brett Tomko, who didn't pitch because of a bruised heel. Rueter would have been given the start, but he went on the DL instead.

8/5/2005

Kirk Rueter, sfo

According to Giants manager Felipe Alou, Rueter likely will spend the rest of the 2005 campaign in the team's bullpen, pitching in long relief. The veteran lefthander has allowed 13 runs -- 12 earned -- in his last seven innings of work and hasn't notched a win since May 13.

Kevin Correia, sfo

After making three relief appearances late last month, Correia returned to the San Francisco Giants' starting rotation on Thursday, replacing struggling veteran Kirk Rueter. The 24-year-old righthander allowed just two runs on six hits over six innings in the 6-4 loss, but did not figure into the decision. He struck out six and walked three.

8/4/2005

Mike Matheny, sfo

Matheny was activated from the bereavement list. He missed the past two games while attending to an illness in the family.

Justin Knoedler, sfo

With the return of starting catcher Mike Matheny, Knoedler was optioned back to Triple-A Fresno.

8/3/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

After aggravating his hamstring during San Francisco's loss to Colorado on Tuesday night, Alou will likely sit for a few games to rest the tender hammy. This is an injury that cropped up a week ago, when the Giants were at Wrigley Field playing against the Cubs, and Alou rested it on Sunday.

Mike Matheny, sfo

Matheny will be out for the next few days, as the Giants placed him on the bereavement list.

Justin Knoedler, sfo

Knoedler was called up from Triple-A Fresno when the Giants placed Mike Matheny on the bereavement list. He was hitting .276 with four homers and 27 RBI at Fresno. He was called on to pinch hit yesterday, and was hit by a pitch.

8/2/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds said Monday he doesn't expect to play this season because of his injured right knee, which has been operated on three times since January 31. "I don't think you're going to see me out there this year," Bonds told MLB.com. "That's the reality of the situation." He said a recent MRI exam showed some fluid building up in the knee, and that doctors advised him to wait until next year to return to the Giants.

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez' rapid recovery continues, as the San Francisco Giants' closer pitched one inning for Class-A San Jose in his first rehab assignment Monday night. Benitez, who is coming back from early-May surgery to reattach two torn hamstring tendons to his pelvis, walked one and faced only three batters. He induced a double play to end his 14-pitch outing.

8/1/2005

Yamid Haad, sfo

After trading backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba to Seattle on Sunday, the San Francisco Giants recalled Haad to back up the team's starter behind the plate, Mike Matheny. Haad, who turns 28 on September 2, will be making his first major league appearance since debuting with a single at-bat for Pittsburgh in July 1999. This season, the righthanded hitter was batting .284 with 10 home runs and 34 RBI in 62 games for Triple-A Fresno.

7/30/2005

Randy Winn, sfo

The San Francisco Giants on Saturday acquired Winn from the Seattle Mariners for catcher Yorvit Torrealba and pitcher Jesse Foppert. The Giants hope that Winn can provide some spark and outfield help. He batted .275 with six homers, 46 runs scored, 37 RBI and 12 steals in 102 games for Seattle.

7/29/2005

Brad Hennessey, sfo

Hennessey pitched seven innings of three-hit shutout ball and punctuated his victory with his first major league home run, a three-run jack that accounted for all the scoring in the 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

7/27/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou experienced some tightness in his right hamstring after grounding out in the second inning of Tuesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs, and with the wet conditions after a lengthy rain delay, the veteran outfielder was removed from the Giants' lineup as a precautionary measure. Alou will be re-evaluated on Wednesday, but he likely won't start the afternoon tussle. He is listed as day-to-day.

Ray Durham, sfo

Although he's been available for pinch-hitting duties, Durham has been absent from the Giants' starting lineup the last three days, due to a sore groin. The veteran second baseman, who has battled a strained left wrist and plantar fascia in his left foot this month as well, continues to be listed as day-to-day.

7/25/2005

Kirk Rueter, sfo

Despite giving up seven earned runs in 3.1 innings of relief in Saturday's loss to the Florida Marlins, Rueter will move back into the Giants' starting rotation next weekend during their series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The veteran lefthander was demoted to the bullpen earlier this month to give him a chance to work through some mechanical problems. He has not posted a win since May 13, losing his last five decisions.

7/23/2005

Adam Shabala, sfo

To make room for Edgardo Alfonzo's return from the disabled list, the San Francisco Giants optioned rookie outfielder Adam Shabala to Triple-A Fresno on Friday. Shabala was 3-for-15 (.200) with four RBI in six games for the Giants.

7/22/2005

Tim Worrell, sfo

The Philadelphia Phillies have traded Worrell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder Matt Kata. The veteran righthander, who missed nearly two months earlier this season while attending to personal issues, is 0-1 with a 7.41 ERA and one save in 19 relief appearances in 2005. The Diamondbacks will make a corresponding move to open a spot on the 25-man roster for Worrell.

7/20/2005

Armando Benitez, sfo

According to Giants trainer Stan Conte, Benitez remains ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery to reattach two torn hamstring tendons to his pelvis, and barring any setbacks, he should be back in the club's bullpen by early September. The veteran closer suffered the injury in late April and was expected to be sidelined for at least four months.

Ray Durham, sfo

Originally diagnosed with a bruised left heel, Durham instead is nursing plantar fascia, which is a strained arch underneath his foot. The second baseman, who suffered the injury in Monday's loss to the Atlanta Braves, was absent from the Giants' lineup on Tuesday and is expected to miss at least another day or two. Deivi Cruz should get the nod at second in his stead.

7/19/2005

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham limped off the field in pain after grounding out in the fifth inning of Monday's game against the Atlanta Braves. The veteran second baseman, who has battled numerous injuries this season, was initially diagnosed with a bruised left heel, and he will be re-evaluated on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury. Deivi Cruz filled the void in the Giants' lineup after Durham's departure.

7/18/2005

Kevin Correia, sfo

Correia was sent to Class-A San Jose earlier this month to make a start during the major league's All-Star break, but he has been recalled from the minor league club by the San Francisco Giants. The righthander, who will fill the fifth spot in the Giants' starting rotation, is slated to take the mound against the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

Jack Taschner, sfo

Taschner has been optioned to Triple-A Fresno by the San Francisco Giants, opening a spot on the roster for Kevin Correia, who is scheduled to take the mound against the Atlanta Braves on Monday. In nine relief appearances with the Giants this season, Taschner, a rookie lefthander, has posted a 3.00 ERA, striking out nine and walking six in nine innings of work.

7/15/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

In an interview with MLB.com on Thursday, Bonds admitted that there is a chance that he might not play at all this season. The Giants' slugger continues his slow recovery after undergoing three different surgeries on his troublesome right knee since January.

7/14/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim activated Finley from the disabled list before facing the Minnesota Twins in their first game after the All-Star break. Batting seventh and playing in center, Finley singled in his first trip to the plate Thursday night. He entered the game with a .225 average and .287 on-base percentage in 65 games this season.

Adam Shabala, sfo

The San Francisco Giants recalled Shabala from Triple-A Fresno Thursday. The 27-year-old outfielder was 2-for-9 (.222) with four RBI in an earlier stint with the Giants this season. He was batting .293 with 13 home runs and 33 RBI in 69 games for Fresno.

7/13/2005

Mike Stanton, sfo

Two days after he was released by the New York Yankees, Stanton agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals Wednesday. The 38-year-old lefthander, who will join the Nationals' bullpen, was 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA in 28 relief appearances for New York this season.

7/11/2005

Mike Stanton, sfo

After failing to find another team interested in Stanton's services, the New York Yankees have released the lefthander. The 38-year-old Stanton was designated for assignment late last month after going 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA in 28 relief appearances for New York this year.

7/10/2005

Brad Hennessey, sfo

Making his first appearance for the Giants since June 2, Hennessey blanked the Cardinals on three hits over seven innings enroute to a 2-0 victory.

7/9/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

Finley will start a rehabilitation stint at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday. The veteran outfielder was placed on the disabled list June 22 with a strained right shoulder.

7/8/2005

Mike Matheny, sfo

Matheny tied his career high with four RBI, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 5-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. The catcher went 2-for-3 with a double, three-run homer and two runs scored.

Armando Benitez, sfo

Sidelined since undergoing surgery in early May to reattach two torn hamstring tendons to his pelvis, Benitez has resumed light jogging, and he threw off the mound for the first time since the procedure on Thursday. The Giants' closer remains ahead of schedule in his recovery, although an exact timetable for his return has not been set.

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham's strained left wrist is not considered serious, and the Giants' second baseman was available for pinch-hitting duty in Thursday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds, although he wasn't needed. The veteran, who suffered the injury during batting practice on Wednesday, has missed the team's last two games and currently is listed as day-to-day.

7/7/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

Finley has resumed taking batting practice with the Los Angeles Angels this week, and he is expected to go on a minor league rehab assignment as early as this weekend. The outfielder, who has been sidelined since June 20 with a strained right shoulder, hopes to be activated from the 15-day disabled list immediately after the All-Star break, barring any setbacks.

Kirk Rueter, sfo

In hopes of getting him out of his recent funk, the San Francisco Giants have moved Rueter to the bullpen for the time being. The veteran lefthander, who has not won since mid-May could return to the rotation some time after the All-Star break, according to manager Felipe Alou, but for now, he will work in long relief. In 17 starts this season, Rueter is 2-7 with a 5.48 ERA.

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham strained his left wrist while taking batting practice on Wednesday and was scratched from the San Francisco Giants' lineup later that night. The veteran second baseman will be re-evaluated on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury. For now, he has been listed as day-to-day. In 70 games this season, Durham is batting .283 with five home runs, 25 RBI and two stolen bases.

Matt Anderson, sfo

Anderson has been sent outright to Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies, opening a spot on the roster for righthander Shawn Chacon, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to take the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. In 12 relief appearances with the Rockies this season, Anderson posted a gaudy 12.60 ERA.

Kevin Correia, sfo

After notching the win in Wednesday's 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Correia was optioned to Class-A San Jose by the San Francisco Giants, which will allow him to get a start in during the major league's upcoming All-Star break. The righthander has made just two starts for the Giants this season, going 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA. Infielder Brian Dallimore was recalled to fill the void on the roster.

7/4/2005

Tim Worrell, sfo

After working his arm back into shape in the minor leagues, Worrell has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran righthander took some time off to deal with some mental health issues that relate to his family, and he has not pitched since May 5. Amaury Telemaco was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

Todd Linden, sfo

On Monday, the San Francisco Giants optioned Linden to Triple-A Fresno to make room on the 25-man roster for LaTroy Hawkins, who came off the disabled list. Linden spent three weeks with the Giants, batting .172 (10-for-58) with four doubles, two homers and seven RBI.

7/1/2005

Kevin Correia, sfo

With Brett Tomko's recent demotion to the bullpen, the Giants will recall Correia from Triple-A Fresno to fill the void in the starting rotation. The righthander, who is slated to take the mound against the San Diego Padres on Friday, is 3-2 with a 6.07 in 31 appearances with the minor league club this season, including three starts.

6/30/2005

Mike Stanton, sfo

Stanton and fellow reliever Paul Quantrill have been designated for assignment, as the New York Yankees initiated a roster shakeup on Thursday. Both relievers were extremely effective in recent seasons, but have fallen on hard times in 2005. Stanton was 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA in 28 relief appearances for New York this year.

Steve Kline, sfo

Kline was suspended for four games by the commissioner's office Thursday for his response to a balk call on Monday night. The Orioles' reliever angrily protested a balk called by plate umpire Marty Foster. Baltimore manager Lee Mazzilli went on the field to stand between Foster and the charging Kline, who also was fined for actions.

6/29/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

On Tuesday, Finley said the inflammation in his strained right shoulder has subsided, and barring any setbacks, he should be cleared to resume swinging a bat this weekend. The Angels' veteran outfielder originally suffered the injury when he collided with the outfield wall in the team's second game of the 2005 campaign. He played through the pain until the club decided to place him on the 15-day disabled list last week to give him some time to rest.

6/28/2005

Jamey Wright, sfo

Wright has yet to figure out the Houston Astros. The Rockies' righthander lost his 12th consecutive decision to the club, allowing eight runs -- six earned -- on a team record-tying 15 hits over seven innings in Monday's meeting. He struck out three and walked one.

Brandon Puffer, sfo

After struggling in his three relief appearances with San Francisco, Puffer has been sent outright to Triple-A Fresno by the Giants. The righthander surrendered eight runs on nine hits -- including two home runs -- in seven innings of work.

6/24/2005

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham went 0-for-3 in Thursday's meeting with the Arizona Diamondbacks before leaving late in the game with a strained lower back. The injury, which bothered him on Wednesday as well, is minor, and the Giants said he should be available for the weekend series against the Oakland A's. Precautionary X-rays were negative.

Matt Morris, sfo

Making his 13th start of the 2005 campaign, Morris was tagged with his first "L" of the season in Thursday's 11-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cardinals' righthander was pulled in the fourth inning after allowing six runs -- three earned -- on seven hits. He struck out three and walked one.

6/23/2005

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt had his best outing of the season in Wednesday's victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing just five hits over eight shutout innings, striking out 10 and walking two. The Giants' ace, who missed some time last month with a strained pitching shoulder, has not allowed a run in his last 16 innings.

6/22/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

Finely was absent from the Angels' lineup on Tuesday after receiving a cortisone shot in his sore right shoulder, an injury he's been battling since colliding with the outfield wall in the team's second game of the 2005 campaign. To give the veteran center fielder some time to fully recover, the club has decided to place Finley on the 15-day disabled list. Curtis Pride will be activated from the DL to fill the void on the roster.

6/21/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

The swelling in Bonds' surgically repaired right knee has decreased, and he nearly has full range of motion in the leg. The Giants' veteran slugger has been playing catch, but has yet to be cleared to resume running or taking swings in the cage. According to trainer Stan Conte and manager Felipe Alou, the team still is confident that Bonds will return before the end of the season, but a timetable has not been set.

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez continues to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery to repair two torn tendons in his right hamstring, and he has been throwing on flat ground recently. According to Giants trainer Stan Conte, the veteran righthander could be throwing off a mound within the next week, but not yet in a game situation. An exact timetable for his return to the active roster has not been set.

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games -- including seven straight -- to improve his season batting average by 25 points. Over that span, the Giants' veteran second baseman is 17-for-45 (.378) with three doubles, two home runs, six RBI and 10 runs scored.

6/20/2005

Tim Worrell, sfo

As anticipated, Worrell will begin a minor league rehab assignment within the next couple of days, as he gets his arm back into shape. The Phillies' righthander took some time off to deal with some mental health issues that relate to his family, and he has not pitched since May 5. He should be back in the Philadelphia bullpen within about two weeks.

Lance Niekro, sfo

Niekro was back in the Giants' lineup for Sunday's meeting with the Detroit Tigers, going 2-for-6 with a home run and two RBI. The first baseman missed the team's previous five contests after fouling a ball off his big toe during batting practice.

6/17/2005

Omar Vizquel, sfo

Vizquel collected five hits in San Francisco's 14-7 victory over Minnesota Thursday. The Giants' shortstop went 5-for-6 with three runs scored, four RBI and a stolen base. He was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. His RBI single in the eighth inning knotted the score, 7-7, and he contributed a two-run double in the ninth, when the Giants pushed across a touchdown and an extra point.

Brandon Puffer, sfo

On Friday, the San Francisco Giants placed veteran righthander LaTroy Hawkins on the 15-day disabled list for an elbow ailment and recalled Puffer from Triple-A Fresno. Puffer was 5-2 with a 3.99 ERA in 25 relief appearances for Fresno. He'll look for innings in the Giants' pen.

6/14/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

As part of his rehab work, Bonds performed resistance and agility drills before the San Francisco Giants played the Cleveland Indians on Saturday. Perhaps the Giants' slugger is rushing his rehab work a bit, as the infectious-disease specialist treating Bonds recommended that the left fielder should avoid "significant-impact activities," including the drills he performed over the weekend.

Pedro Feliz, sfo

With Edgardo Alfonzo placed on the disabled list Monday for a quadriceps injury, Feliz will move from the outfield to third base to cover for the ailing third baseman. Prospect Todd Linden will take over in left for Feliz. The 30-year-old veteran is hitting .265 with eight home runs and 35 RBI for the Giants this season.

Todd Linden, sfo

The San Francisco Giants placed Marquis Grissom on the 15-day disabled list Monday and recalled Linden to replace him in the Giants' outfield. Linden, in the midst of a terrific season at Triple-A Fresno, will take over in left field for the Giants. The 24-year-old Linden was batting .326 and had at least a share of the league lead with 19 homers and 58 RBI in 62 games.

Lance Niekro, sfo

Scheduled to start in Tuesday's game as the designated hitter for the Giants, Niekro was scratched prior to the first pitch. Niekro fouled a ball off his foot in batting practice and was taken in for X-Rays.

Lance Niekro, sfo

Scheduled to start in Tuesday's game as the designated hitter for the Giants, Niekro was scratched prior to the first pitch. The 26-year-old rookie fouled a ball off his foot in batting practice and was taken in for X-rays, which showed no fractures. Niekro is day-to-day.

Adam Shabala, sfo

The San Francisco Giants recalled Shabala from Triple-A Fresno as part of a series of moves that included putting veterans Marquis Grissom and Edgardo Alfonzo on the 15-day disabled list Monday. The 27-year-old Shabala, a speedy outfielder, was hitting .287 with seven stolen bases, nine homers and 22 RBI for Fresno. He will be making his major league debut when he makes his first appearance for the Giants.

6/13/2005

Jeff Fassero, sfo

With the San Francisco Giants recalling Jesse Foppert to start on Tuesday, and Jim Brower getting released, Fassero will slip into the long-relief role held by Brower before he was cut loose. The 42-year-old southpaw had stepped into the Giants' rotation recently for four starts, and he was 1-2 with a 5.21 ERA that was almost two runs higher than his relief ERA.

Tim Worrell, sfo

Worrell returned to the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend and admitted that he has faced mental health issues that relate to his family. The righthanded reliever didn't talk specifics, but said he needed the time to deal with personal matters over the last five weeks.

6/12/2005

Al Levine, sfo

The Giants added reliever Jack Taschner to their roster on Saturday and designated Levine for assignment. Levine made nine appearances for San Francisco this season, allowing 16 hits and 11 earned runs in 10.1 innings -- good for a bloated 9.58 ERA. The 37-year-old journeyman reliever has worked for seven different teams in 10 major league seasons.

Jack Taschner, sfo

The Giants purchased Taschner's contract from Triple-A Fresno on Saturday, and the 26-year-old reliever made his first career big league appearance Saturday night against the Indians. The lefthander worked one scoreless inning, giving up a hit with no walks or strikeouts. A second-round pick in 1999, Taschner's promising career has been derailed by a torn labrum and a pair of major elbow surgeries, including Tommy John surgery in 2002.

6/10/2005

Michael Tejera, sfo

On Friday, the Texas Rangers optioned Tejera to Triple-A Oklahoma. The 28-year-old southpaw's stay in the majors lasted only a few days. He allowed five hits and three runs in three appearances, posting a 13.50 ERA in two innings.

6/8/2005

Omar Vizquel, sfo

Vizquel still had some minor bleeding in his mouth after undergoing surgery on Monday to remove a wisdom tooth. As a precautionary measure, the Giants held the veteran shortstop out of the lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Kansas City Royals, but expect him to be back in action on Wednesday. Deivi Cruz got the nod at short in his absence.

6/7/2005

Matt Morris, sfo

Morris notched his first complete game of the 2005 campaign and 17th of his major league career, going the distance in Monday's 7-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox. The Cardinals' righthander allowed just one run on four hits, struck out one and walked one to improve to 7-0 in 10 starts this season and lower his ERA to 3.43.

Michael Tejera, sfo

On Monday, the Texas Rangers recalled Tejera from Triple-A Oklahoma. The 28-year-old lefthander appeared in 17 games for Oklahoma in 2005, going 0-1 with a save and a 2.55 ERA in 17.2 innings. Reportedly he had a stipulation in his contract that he could become a free agent if he wasn't recalled by this week.

6/6/2005

Todd Greene, sfo

Greene, who strained his hamstring while running the bases against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies. Danny Ardoin will be recalled from the club's Triple-A affiliate in Colorado Springs to fill the void on the roster.

Randy Winn, sfo

With Seattle playing interleague games in Florida and Washington this week, the DH option will not be available. It's likely that Raul Ibanez will move to left field for at least some of the games, so Winn would move to center and share playing time with Jeremy Reed.

Shea Hillenbrand, sfo

Hillenbrand and the other Toronto corner infielders who share DH duties will be squeezed for playing time this week. The Blue Jays play interleague series in Chicago and Houston, and the odd man out between Hill, Hillenbrand and Hinske at the infield corners will be available only to pinch-hit.

6/3/2005

Jeff Fassero, sfo

With the struggling Brad Hennessey being demoted to Triple-A Fresno, the Giants are expected to turn to Fassero to fill the fifth spot in the starting rotation. The 42-year-old lefthander has gone 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA in 20 appearances this season, including three starts.

Al Levine, sfo

Levine has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the San Francisco Giants after missing more than three weeks with a strained neck. The veteran righthander had appeared in five games prior to his stint on the DL, posting a 7.20 ERA.

Brad Hennessey, sfo

After failing to make it past the third inning in his last two starts, Hennessey has been optioned to Triple-A Fresno by the San Francisco Giants. The 25-year-old righthander, who will be replaced on the roster by veteran reliever Al Levine, has made five starts with the Giants this season, going 2-2 with a 6.75 ERA.

5/31/2005

Matt Anderson, sfo

Seeing his first major league action in nearly two years, Anderson allowed two runs on one hit and a walk in two-thirds of an inning in Monday's matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals. The righthander, who was the first overall pick in the 1997 Draft, was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs earlier in the day to fill the roster spot of injured reliever Jose Acevedo.

5/27/2005

Ray Durham, sfo

After missing the previous night's game with an ingrown nail on his right big toe, Durham was back in the Giants' lineup for Thursday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The veteran second baseman went 0-for-4 in his return, ending his hitting streak at 13 games. For the season, Durham is batting .280 with no home runs, 10 RBI and just one stolen base in 37 contests.

5/26/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou continued his hot hitting in Wednesday's matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI. Over his last five games, the Giants' veteran outfielder is 8-for-21 (.381) with four homers and eight RBI.

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham missed Sunday's game against the A's with a sprained middle finger on his left hand, but returned to the Giants' lineup for Tuesday's action. However, he was back on the bench on Wednesday, this time due to an ingrown nail on his right big toe. The veteran second baseman, who currently claims a 13-game hitting streak, has been listed as day-to-day.

Pedro Feliz, sfo

Going into Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Feliz had been in a mini slump, notching just one hit in his previous 19 at-bats. The Giants' utilityman got back on track, going 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and four RBI in a 10-2 victory. It was the fifth multihomer game of his major league career.

5/25/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds has been cleared to begin light rehab work, as he continues to recover from three different surgeries on his troublesome right knee. The Giants' veteran slugger, who most recently battled a serious infection in the knee, reportedly is optimistic that he can be back on the field shortly after the All-Star break. However, the team has yet to set a timetable for his return.

5/24/2005

Jeff Fassero, sfo

Giants ace Jason Schmidt has returned from a short stint on the disabled list, meaning Fassero will shift back to a relief role. The 42-year-old lefthander, who made three starts in Schmidt's absence, is 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA in 15 appearances overall this season.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

As anticipated, Schmidt has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the San Francisco Giants, and he will take the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday night. The righthander, who has been on the disabled list since May 8 with a strained pitching shoulder, takes the roster spot of demoted reliever Jeremy Accardo.

5/23/2005

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham sprained the middle finger on his left hand during batting practice prior to Sunday's meeting with the Oakland A's. As a result, the second baseman was scratched from the Giants' lineup and replaced by Brian Dallimore. After the game, Durham said the injury is minor, and he fully expects to be back in action when the team takes the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.

5/21/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

In a lengthy interview session with reporters on Friday, Bonds denied that he is through playing, although he made no guarantees about being able to return this season. Bonds underwent more blood tests on Friday and began his rehabilitation from his May 2 surgery. Although he had a PICC I.V. removed from his arm on Monday, the outfielder remains on oral antibiotics to try to clean out an infection in his surgically repaired knee.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

After throwing a simulated game off the SBC Park mound, Schmidt has been declared good to start on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Schmidt has been on the disabled list since May 10 with a strained pitching shoulder.

5/20/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

While continuing to battle an infection in his surgically repaired right knee, Bonds was moved to the 60-day disabled list on Friday. The move was procedural, intended to open a spot on the Giants' 40-man roster for Brian Dallimore, who was recalled to replace the injured Marquis Grissom in San Francisco.

5/18/2005

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt threw in the bullpen on Tuesday and reported no major problems with his strained pitching shoulder. The Giants' righthander, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks, will continue to expand his workouts over the next several days. If he progresses as scheduled, the Giants hope to activate him from the 15-day disabled list in time to start next Tuesday's matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

5/17/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

Finley has been battling a sore left groin that has continued to bother him after he was injured in a game against Cleveland last week. He missed his third straight start on Monday, when his Angels defeated the Indians, and the center fielder hasn't played since pinch-hitting in the second game of the Angels' doubleheader in Detroit on Saturday.

Finley was just starting to work his way out of his early-season funk. He was 11-for-33 (.333) with seven RBI so far in May, pushing his average to an even .200 for the season. He has six doubles, six homers and 19 RBI in 35 games. Manager Mike Scioscia believes Finley is close to returning to the Angels' lineup.

5/13/2005

Al Levine, sfo

Levine has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the San Francisco Giants, opening a spot on the roster for 25-year-old righthander Brad Hennessey, who started Thursday's game against the Astros. Levine is nursing a strained neck and will be sidelined for at least the next two weeks.

In five relief appearances with San Francisco this season, Levine has allowed four runs on six hits in five innings of work, resulting in a 7.20 ERA. Even when healthy, he is not worth a spot on your fantasy roster.

Brad Hennessey, sfo

Hennessey was recalled from Triple-A Fresno in time to take the mound for the Giants in Thursday's matchup with the Houston Astros. The righthander notched his second win of the season, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings, finishing with seven strikeouts and three walks. He will remain in the rotation at least until staff ace Jason Schmidt is able to return from injury.

In two starts with the Giants this season, Hennessey is 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA. He has 13 strikeouts in 13 innings, but has walked five batters and surrendered five home runs over that span as well. Veteran reliever Al Levine was placed on the 15-day disabled list to make room on the roster for Hennessey.

5/11/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou was back in the San Francisco Giants' lineup for Wednesday's loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 2-for-4 with a strikeout and run scored. The veteran outfielder had missed the team's previous two contests with a stomach virus.

Alou sat out more than two weeks last month with a calf injury. Since returning, he has batted .315 with three home runs, 10 RBI and a stolen base in 16 games. It should be safe to get him back in your lineup.

Jeff Fassero, sfo

With ace Jason Schmidt sidelined, Fassero has stepped into the San Francisco Giants' starting rotation. The veteran lefthander, who had pitched in relief in his previous 12 appearances this season, got the nod in Tuesday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates and allowed just one hit over five shutout innings. He struck out two and walked none.

The performance likely won Fassero at least one more start. For the season, he has a 2.00 ERA, nine strikeouts and five walks in 18 innings of work.

5/10/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Sidelined by a stomach virus, Alou was held out of Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and currently is listed as day-to-day. The veteran outfielder, who is batting .268 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 17 games this season, was replaced in the Giants' lineup by Jason Ellison.

Alou should return within the next day or two.

Ray Durham, sfo

As he had hoped, Durham returned to the Giants' lineup for Monday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The second baseman, who had been sidelined since aggravating two groin injuries last Wednesday, batted in the No. 5 hole and went 1-for-4. He has served as the team's leadoff hitter the majority of the season and should return to the top of the order once he is closer to 100 percent.

Durham has been battling the groin troubles all season, and if they creep up again, a stint on the disabled list might be his only option. He will try to play through the pain for now. In 24 contests this season, Durham is batting .226 with four doubles, eight RBI and one stolen base.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Further tests on Schmidt's pitching arm have revealed a strained shoulder, and the Giants have placed ace righthander on the 15-day disabled list as a result. The velocity of Schmidt's pitches has dropped this season, forcing him to use more offspeed stuff rather than his normall dominant fastball. He hasn't recorded a win in his last five starts, allowing 22 runs -- 20 earned -- in 27 innings over that span.

The move is retroactive to Sunday, meaning Schmidt could return to action as early as May 23. Righthander Scott Munter has been recalled to fill the void on the roster, but the team has yet to determine who will start in Schmidt's absence.

Scott Munter, sfo

Munter has been recalled from Triple-A Fresno by the San Francisco Giants, filling the roster spot of ace starter Jason Schmidt, who is out with a strained pitching shoulder. In 12 relief appearances with the minor league club this season, the righthanded Munter is 1-3 with a 5.11 ERA.

Munter was with the Giants for a few days last month, but was optioned back to Fresno before making his major league debut. He will pitch in middle relief.

5/9/2005

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham's strained groins prevented him from playing in the Giants' weekend series against the Washington Nationals, but he has shown improvement over the past couple of days and should be back in the lineup for Monday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The veteran second baseman aggravated the injuries last Wednesday and has been sidelined since.

Durham has been battling the groin troubles all season, and if they creep up again, a stint on the disabled list might be his only option. He will try to play through the pain for now. In 22 contests this season, Durham is batting .228 with four doubles, eight RBI and one stolen base.

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt's struggles this season could be caused by fatigue. The Giants' righthander hasn't reported any soreness in his arm, but the velocity of his pitches has dropped, and he is using more offspeed stuff as a result. He hasn't recorded a win in his last five starts, allowing 22 runs -- 20 earned -- in 27 innings over that span.

Schmidt's pitch counts have been unusually high over his past four outings, averaging more than 21 pitches per inning -- his career average is 16.5. For the season, Schmidt is 2-1 with a 4.71 ERA, including 40 strikeouts and 24 walks in 42 innings.

5/7/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou hit a grand slam in San Francisco's loss to the Washington Nationals on Saturday. With this feat, he and his father become just the fourth father-son in major league history to hit grand slams for the same team -- joining Bobby and Barry Bonds (Giants), Hal and Brian McRae (Royals) and Ken and Ken Griffey Jr. (Reds).

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham aggravated both his left and right groin muscles in Wednesday's loss to Arizona. The team trainer considers the injury to the left groin the more serious one. An MRI on Thursday showed no injury other than the strained groins.

Durham is considered day-to-day, but a stint on the 15-day disabled list is a possibility. Look for Deivi Cruz to get the majoity of the playing time while Durham is sidelined.

5/6/2005

Tim Worrell, sfo

Worrell has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran reliever will be sidelined indefinitely so he can deal with some personal psychological issues, according to the club. In 13 relief appearances this season, he is 0-1 with an 8.10 ERA and one save.

While Worrell is sidelined, Ryan Madson likely will step in as the Phillies' primary setup man for closer Billy Wagner. Righthander Robinson Tejeda was recalled to fill the void on the roster.

5/5/2005

Ray Durham, sfo

Durham exited Wednesday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks after aggravating his troublesome right groin in the fifth inning. The injury has forced the Giants' second baseman to miss some time this season, including two games of last weekend's three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was replaced in the Giants' lineup by Deivi Cruz and has been listed as day-to-day.

Durham's ailment continues to linger, and the club might be forced to shut him down for awhile and let the groin recover. He will be re-evaluated on Thursday. In 22 contests this season, Durham is batting .228 with four doubles, eight RBI and one stolen base.

5/4/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds' rehab program for his surgically repaired right knee has been delayed by an infection. After the San Francisco slugger had his knee drained of fluid for the second time in less than two weeks, he underwent arthroscopic surgery Monday for a third time to look for infection from his last surgery on March 17. An infection was found in the knee, which was flushed out during the procedure.

Bonds' first procedure, which removed damaged cartilage, was performed on January 31. On March 17, he had some torn cartilage removed. Following Monday's operation, Bonds is expected to take antibiotics for at least the next two weeks, and he would not restart rehabilitation work until he is assured the infection is gone. With this setback, don't look for Bonds to return before the All-Star break.

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds' rehab program for his surgically repaired right knee has been delayed by an infection. After the San Francisco slugger had his knee drained of fluid for the second time in less than two weeks, he underwent arthroscopic surgery for a third time to look for infection from his last surgery on March 17. An infection was found in the knee, which was flushed out during the procedure.

5/3/2005

Armando Benitez, sfo

Expected to be sidelined for four months with two torn tendons in his right hamstring, Benitez has been transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL by the San Francisco Giants. The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for righthander Jeremy Accardo, whose contract was purchased from Double-A Norwich on Monday.

Benitez is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday. In eight appearances this season, he is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA and four saves. Matt Herges and Jeff Fassero are the top options to handle the closer duties in Benitez' absence, but the young Accardo could figure into the mix as well.

Brad Hennessey, sfo

Hennessey, who made a spot start for San Francisco over the weekend, has been optioned back to Triple-A Fresno by the Giants, opening a roster spot for fellow righthander Jeremy Accardo. Hennessey notched the victory in Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing three runs on five hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two.

Hennessey will return to Fresno's starting rotation. He should see some time with the Giants later this season.

5/2/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds traveled to Los Angeles on Friday and had his surgically right knee drained for the second time in less than two weeks. According to the Giants' outfielder, the knee is healing properly, but there still is no timetable for his return to the lineup.

Bonds will need at least a few weeks to get the strength back in the knee before beginning regular baseball activities. A return before the All-Star break appears unlikely at this point.

Shea Hillenbrand, sfo

Hillenbrand has been on a tear for the Toronto Blue Jays. After going 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Yankees, the Jays' designated hitter is 13-for-24 (.542) with three doubles and five runs scored in his last six games. That .542 clip has vaulted him into the American League lead in the batting race. He's hitting .410 in 26 games for the season.

5/1/2005

Steve Finley, sfo

Due to his recent struggles at the plate, Finley will not be in the Angels' lineup for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins, according to manager Mike Scioscia. The veteran outfielder, who went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Saturday's contest, has notched just four hits in his last 38 at-bats.

Finley has seen his batting average dip to .149, so an off-day can't hurt. Despite his poor average, Finley has four home runs, 12 RBI and four stolen bases in 24 games this season.

Brad Hennessey, sfo

Hennessey has been recalled from Triple-A Fresno by the San Francisco Giants. The righthander, who takes the roster spot of demoted reliever Scott Munter, is scheduled to take the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. He made seven starts for the Giants last year, going 2-2 with a 4.98 ERA.

In four starts with the minor league club this season, Hennessey was 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA.

Scott Munter, sfo

Munter's stay with the San Francisco Giants was a short one, as the righthander has been optioned to Triple-A Fresno just four days after being recalled from the minor league club. He has yet to make his major league debut.

Brad Hennessey, who is slated to start Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, will fill the void on the Giants' roster.

4/28/2005

Jeff Fassero, sfo

With closer Armando Benitez expected to miss four months with a serious hamstring injury, the Giants will turn to Fassero and Matt Herges in save situations, according to manager Felipe Alou. In eight relief appearances this season, the veteran lefthander has allowed three runs on seven hits in 9.2 innings, striking out five and walking three.

Fassero has 25 saves in his 15-year career.

Armando Benitez, sfo

The San Francisco Giants received some bad news on Wednesday, as an MRI revealed that Benitez has two torn tendons in his right hamstring. The veteran closer, who suffered the injury while running to cover first base on the final play of Tuesday's win over the San Diego Padres, will undergo surgery early next week, and he is expected to be sidelined about four months. He's currently on the 15-day disabled list.

According to manager Felipe Alou, Matt Herges and Jeff Fassero will be the top two options in save situations during Benitez' absence. If neither pitcher can get the job done, the club might be forced to acquire a proven closer from another team. In eight appearances this season, Benitez is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA and four saves.

4/27/2005

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the San Francisco Giants, due to a strained right hamstring. The veteran closer, who suffered the injury while running to cover first base on the final play of Tuesday's win over the San Diego Padres, will be replaced on the active roster by righthander Scott Munter.

Benitez will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury and try to get a better idea of how much time he will miss. In his absence, the Giants likely will use a closer-by-committee approach, with Matt Herges getting the call most often. Jeff Fassero and Jim Brower might have a chance or two as well.

Tony Torcato, sfo

Torcato has been sent outright to Triple-A Fresno by the San Francisco Giants. The outfielder was designated for assignment by the club late last week to open a spot on the roster for veteran Moises Alou. In 11 games with the Giants this season, Torcato is 3-for-11 with one run scored.

Scott Munter, sfo

Filling the roster spot of injured closer Armando Benitez, the San Francisco Giants have recalled Munter from Triple-A Fresno. The righthander has made eight relief appearances with the minor league club this season, going 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA.

Munter will be making his major league debut. He will pitch in middle relief and won't have any fantasy value.

4/25/2005

Omar Vizquel, sfo

Vizquel celebrated his 38th birthday by going 3-for-5 with an RBI and stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. The veteran shortstop, who signed with the Giants after spending his last 11 seasons with the Cleveland Indians, has been a pleasant surprise so far this year, batting .294 with six doubles, two triples, four RBI and six stolen bases in 18 games.

Vizquel, more known for his glove than his offensive production, has just one error in 84 total chances this season. Although he won't post the power numbers, expect decent totals when it comes to batting average, runs and stolen bases.

Al Levine, sfo

The San Francisco Giants have purchased Levine's contract from Triple-A Fresno, supplying them with some depth in their over-used bullpen. The veteran reliever was with the Giants in spring training and was solid in nine exhibition appearances, allowing five hits in nine shutout innings. He asked for and was granted his release in late March, then inked a minor league deal with the team a week later.

Since they don't need a fifth starter until next week, the Giants optioned Jerome Williams to Fresno, opening a spot on the roster for Levine In 65 relief appearances with the Detroit Tigers in 2004, Levine went 3-4 with a 4.58 ERA in 65 relief appearances.

4/23/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds had fluid drained from his right knee earlier this week and hopes to resume his rehabilitation next week.

"I had some fluid drained out of my right knee because therewas a little bit of swelling," Bonds reported. "By draining the fluid,it alleviates the discomfort. My doctor wants me to use crutchesfor the next couple of days to make sure the fluid doesn't comeright back. This was merely a precautionary measure." the outfielder wrote on his web site on Saturday.

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou went 0-for-3 on Friday in his first action since being activated from the 15-day disabled list. The Giants' outfielder had been sidelined since April 6 with a strained calf muscle.

4/21/2005

Barry Bonds, sfo

Bonds continues to recover from a pair of surgeries on his troublesome right knee, but the process reportedly is not going as quickly as planned. According to Giants trainer Stan Conte, the veteran slugger still has some soreness in the knee, and he has yet to be cleared to resume baseball activities. The team does not have a timetable for his return.

Bonds went under the knife for the second time on March 17 and indicated he could miss as much as half of the 2005 campaign. Keep Bonds stashed away until he is back on the field for San Francisco.

4/20/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou has been shagging fly balls in the outfield over the past several days, and he was able to run the bases without any major problems on Tuesday, according to Giants manager Felipe Alou. The veteran outfielder, who has been sidelined since April 6 with a strained right calf muscle, will be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Friday, barring any setbacks.

Alou has a history of calf problems, so the Giants were not going to allow him to take any chances early in the season and make the injury worse. Michael Tucker likely will return to his role as the team's fourth outfielder once Alou is back in action. Alou is hitless in six at-bats so far this season.

Matt Morris, sfo

Morris was solid in his return to the Cardinals' starting rotation. The righthander, who had been recovering from offseason surgery on his pitching shoulder, made his 2005 season debut by allowing just one run on four hits over six innings in a 7-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. He struck out seven and walked one.

Morris reported no problems after the game, so it should be safe to get him back in your lineup. He went 15-10 with a 4.72 ERA and three complete games in 32 starts last season.

4/19/2005

Matt Morris, sfo

As anticipated, the St. Louis Cardinals have activated Morris from the 15-day disabled list and will send him to the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. The righthander, who has been recovering from offseason surgery on his pitching shoulder, fills the roster spot of demoted reliever Carmen Cali.

The Cardinals might choose to keep Morris on a pitch count in his first outing or two, just as a precautionary measure. Morris hopes to bounce back from a sub-par 2004 campaign, when he went 15-10 with a 4.72 ERA and three complete games in 32 starts.

Lance Niekro, sfo

Niekro stepped into the Giants' lineup and handled the first-base duties after starter J.T. Snow left with a strained groin in the fifth inning of Monday's game against the San Diego Padres. The rookie took advantage of the opportunity, going a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate and belting the first home run of his major league career.

Niekro's primary position used to be third base, but he was moved to first after battling shoulder problems. If Snow is forced to miss any time with his injury, Niekro likely will get the nod at first. In 11 career games with the Giants, he is 6-for-21 with two doubles, one homer and five RBI.

Pedro Liriano, sfo

With Vincente Padilla coming off the 15-day disabled list in time to start Tuesday's game against the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies have optioned Liriano to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to open a spot on the 25-man roster. In three relief appearances this season, the righthander has allowed four earned runs on six hits over 4.2 innings of work.

Gavin Floyd, who had been starting in Padilla's absence, will move to the bullpen and fill Liriano's spot.

4/16/2005

Pedro Feliz, sfo

Feliz hit a grand slam and knocked in a career-high five runs in Friday's game against the Colorado Rockies.

Feliz is off to a strong start this season, batting .342 with 13 RBI.

Noah Lowry, sfo

Although he allowed nine hits and six runs in 5.2 innings, Lowry was the winning pitcher in San Francisco's game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday.

Lowry is undefeated in his major-league career, going 7-0 in 22 appearances, including 16 starts.

4/14/2005

Matt Morris, sfo

Although he allowed five runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings, Morris reported no problems following a minor league rehab start with Class-A Palm Beach on Wednesday (six strikeouts, one walk). The Cardinals' righthander, who is recovering from offseason surgery on his shoulder, is scheduled to rejoin the major league club this weekend, but he won't be activated from the 15-day disabled list until April 19, when he is expected to take the mound against the Pirates.

The Cardinals did not need a fifth starter until the 19th, allowing them to bring Morris along slowly. Morris hopes to bounce back from a sub-par -- for him -- 2004 season, when he went 15-10 with a 4.72 ERA and three complete games in 32 starts.

4/13/2005

Armando Benitez, sfo

Benitez was unable to turn a three-run lead into a save in Tuesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants' veteran closer took the loss after allowing four runs -- three earned -- on three hits and two walks in just two-thirds of an inning in the bottom of the ninth. In three appearances with his new club, Benitez is 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA and two saves.

The 32-year-old Benitez spent the 2004 campaign with the Florida Marlins, going 2-2 with a 1.29 ERA and 47 saves in 64 relief appearances. He struck out 62 and walked 21 in 69.2 innings of work.

4/8/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou has decided to undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of the calf injury he suffered earlier this week. The Giants' veteran outfielder was forced to leave after felling some extra tightness in his right calf muscle while chasing down a ball in Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he was replaced in the Giants' lineup by Michael Tucker. According to trainer Stan Conte, the team has not ruled out a trip to the 15-day disabled list.

Alou has a history of calf problems, so he isn't going to take any chances early in the season and make the injury worse. If he is forced to miss any time, Tucker will fill the void in right field. Alou is hitless in six at-bats so far this season.

Moises Alou, sfo

The Giants have placed outfielder Moises Alou on the 15-day disabled list. Alou strained a muscle in his lower calf, and after undergoing and MRI on Friday morning, the team decided that it would be best to replace him on the active roster. The move is retroactive to Thursday, as Michael Tucker will take Alou's place in the lineup.

The Giants ancient outfield is slowly breaking down, first Bonds, now Alou. Who's next?

Al Levine, sfo

After being granted his release last week, Levine has re-signed with the San Francisco Giants, agreeing to a minor league contract. The veteran righthander, who was a non-roster invitee this spring, was solid in nine exhibition appearances, allowing five hits in nine shutout innings.

Levine likely will join the Giants' Triple-A affiliate. He spent the 2004 campaign with the Detroit Tigers, going 3-4 with a 4.58 ERA in 65 relief appearances.

Matt Morris, sfo

Morris tossed four innings in the High-A Florida State League Thursday, allowing four hits and two runs while walking one and whiffing nine.

Morris is scheduled to make two more rehab starts, and with this outing, appears to be on track to return to the Cardinals' rotation April 19.

4/7/2005

Moises Alou, sfo

Alou felt some extra tightness in his right calf muscle while chasing down a ball in Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he was replaced in the Giants' lineup by Michael Tucker as a precautionary measure. Following the contest, the outfielder said he has been slowed by discomfort in the leg for more than a week and will determine his status and availability on a daily basis.

Alou has a history of calf problems, so he isn't going to take any chances early in the season and make the problem worse. If he is forced to miss any time, Tucker will fill the void in right field. Alou is hitless in six at-bats so far this season.

Ray Durham, sfo

To give his ailing right groin a rest, Durham was a late scratch from the San Francisco Giants' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In addition, the veteran second baseman did not have a good track record against Dodgers starter Odalis Perez, notching just three hits in 18 career at-bats against the lefthander.

The Giants don't want to take any chances with Durham's injury in hopes that it won't linger all season. He should be back in the lineup for Thursday night's series wrap-up. Last season, Durham finished the year hitting .282 with 17 homers, 65 RBI and 10 steals in 120 contests.

4/6/2005

Jason Schmidt, sfo

Schmidt turned in a solid performance in Tuesday's Opening Day victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs on four hits in seven innings of work. The Giants' ace struck out nine batters and walked two en route to notching the win.

Schmidt continues to be one of the top strikeout pitchers in the major leagues today. Last season, he went 18-7 with a 3.20 ERA and four complete games -- including three shutouts -- striking out 251 in 225 innings.

4/5/2005

Matt Morris, sfo

The St. Louis Cardinals have placed Morris on the 15-day disabled list. The righthander continues to be on schedule in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, and barring any setbacks, he should be ready to join the Cardinals' starting rotation around mid-April. The team would like to give Morris a little more time to build up his arm strength before sending him to the mound in a major league game situation.

Veteran Bill Pulsipher will fill the void on the 25-man roster and pitch in relief. Morris hopes to bounce back from a sub-par -- for him -- 2004 season, when he went 15-10 with a 4.72 ERA and three complete games in 32 starts.

4/4/2005

Ray Durham, sfo

According to trainer Stan Conte, Durham will be in the Giants' starting lineup when the team takes the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday -- their regular season opener. The veteran second baseman has been limited over the past couple of weeks by a mild right groin pull, but has shown significant improvement the past several days.

Last season, Durham finished the year hitting .282 with 17 homers, 65 RBI and 10 steals in 120 contests. As long as he stays healthy, Durham will be at second base and at the top of the Giants' batting order on a daily basis.