Phillies at Giants
Joe Panik is back at the top of the batting order for the San Francisco Giants, who continue their three-game series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. On the disabled list since April 28 due to a torn ligament in his left thumb, Panik made an immediate impact in his return Friday by reaching base four times in the Giants’ 4-0 victory.
The Giants also activated reliever Mark Melancon (forearm) from the DL before Friday’s contest, but the former closer wasn’t needed as Tony Watson, Sam Dyson and Hunter Strickland each tossed one scoreless inning to secure the win. The Giants have posted back-to-back wins after losing six of seven and plan to have former Phillie Hunter Pence (right thumb sprain) available Saturday for the first time since April 19. Philadelphia has dropped four of its last six games and struck out 13 times in Friday’s loss. Carlos Santana bounced back from a dismal April by recording 22 RBIs last month but is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts in his last two games.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia Plus, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (4-5, 4.08 ERA) vs. Giants LH Andrew Suarez (1-4, 5.65)
Velasquez closed out a stellar month by allowing two runs and three hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. The 25-year-old Californian posted a 3-1 record and 2.30 ERA with 36 strikeouts over 27 1/3 frames in five starts last month. Velasquez made his second career start against San Francisco on May 10 and allowed three runs with 12 strikeouts over six innings in a 6-3 victory.
Suarez’s winless streak reached four games Monday, when he came away with a no-decision after giving up four runs - three earned - in five innings against Colorado. The 25-year-old rookie likely needs a strong outing to maintain his rotation spot after allowing a total of 19 runs - 17 earned - over 19 frames in his last four starts. Suarez owns a 4.91 ERA in three home turns compared to a 6.38 mark in four outings away from AT&T Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants optioned INF Kelby Tomlinson to Triple-A Sacramento in order to make room for Panik.
2. Phillies OF Rhys Hoskins (broken jaw) could return from the disabled list as soon as June 9.
3. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt is listed as day-to-day after leaving Friday’s game in the third inning due to a stomach illness.