OAKLAND -- What has seemed inevitable for weeks is finally about to happen: Russ Ortiz will switch to relieving when he returns from the disabled list, leaving rookie sensation Tim Lincecum in the No. 5 starter's spot.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy announced the decision before Saturday's Interleague game against the A's, adding that Ortiz, who's recovering from an elbow ailment, is tentatively expected to be activated on Monday.
Asked whether this makes an existing member of the bullpen vulnerable for demotion, Bochy remained vague.
"We'll see where we're at with the staff when we decide to activate Russ," Bochy said.
If the Giants do send a reliever to Triple-A Fresno, left-hander Jonathan Sanchez stands out as the likeliest candidate. Envisioned as a starter in the Giants' long-term plans, Sanchez has contributed little in relief, recording a 1-1 mark with a 5.52 ERA in 14 appearances. He has looked erratic and effective by turns, walking 13 and striking out 21 in 14 2/3 innings. He'd most likely start at Triple-A Fresno to prepare for his preferred role.
Ortiz pitched capably before being injured, posting a 2-2 record with a 6.44 ERA that was inflated by his last outing (eight runs in 3 1/3 innings on May 1 against Colorado). But Lincecum was spectacular in his last two starts, going 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and striking out 16 while walking two in 14 innings.
"We knew even before he started a game up here there was a good chance that once he came up here, he was going to stay," Bochy said of Lincecum, 22. "He has Major League stuff."
Ortiz, 32, began his professional career in the Giants system as a reliever -- he amassed 36 saves at Class A and Double-A in 1996 -- and made 15 relief appearances last season with Baltimore. Bochy wouldn't commit to using the right-hander in any particular role, although it had been expected that long relief would suit Ortiz.
"He's versatile," Bochy said. "He could go long, he could help us in the middle innings, he could help us setting up. Every game you have a need. It'll be game to game where he fits for us that day."
Giants manager Bruce Bochy announced the decision before Saturday's Interleague game against the A's, adding that Ortiz, who's recovering from an elbow ailment, is tentatively expected to be activated on Monday.
Asked whether this makes an existing member of the bullpen vulnerable for demotion, Bochy remained vague.
"We'll see where we're at with the staff when we decide to activate Russ," Bochy said.
If the Giants do send a reliever to Triple-A Fresno, left-hander Jonathan Sanchez stands out as the likeliest candidate. Envisioned as a starter in the Giants' long-term plans, Sanchez has contributed little in relief, recording a 1-1 mark with a 5.52 ERA in 14 appearances. He has looked erratic and effective by turns, walking 13 and striking out 21 in 14 2/3 innings. He'd most likely start at Triple-A Fresno to prepare for his preferred role.
Ortiz pitched capably before being injured, posting a 2-2 record with a 6.44 ERA that was inflated by his last outing (eight runs in 3 1/3 innings on May 1 against Colorado). But Lincecum was spectacular in his last two starts, going 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and striking out 16 while walking two in 14 innings.
"We knew even before he started a game up here there was a good chance that once he came up here, he was going to stay," Bochy said of Lincecum, 22. "He has Major League stuff."
Ortiz, 32, began his professional career in the Giants system as a reliever -- he amassed 36 saves at Class A and Double-A in 1996 -- and made 15 relief appearances last season with Baltimore. Bochy wouldn't commit to using the right-hander in any particular role, although it had been expected that long relief would suit Ortiz.
"He's versatile," Bochy said. "He could go long, he could help us in the middle innings, he could help us setting up. Every game you have a need. It'll be game to game where he fits for us that day."