Giants’ Pena making most of opportunity
Perhaps buried behind the Giants’ run of wins is the emergence of backup infielder Ramiro Peña.
In seven games (three starts) since his contract was purchased from Triple-A Sacramento on June 10, Peña is batting .444 (8-for-18) with four RBIs and two runs.
“I feel good right now,” said Peña, whose strong throw on a bouncer toward third ended Friday’s win over the Phillies.
After he slumped the following year, Peña spent all of 2015 in San Diego’s farm system.
A switch-hitter known for his defensive versatility, Peña thrived at Sacramento before getting summoned two weeks ago to San Francisco.
Playing every day in the minors had helped him refine his approach at the plate.
[...] as he splits time at multiple infield positions, Peña still arrives at the ballpark every day thinking he needs to be ready to hit.
“Being on the bench isn’t easy, but right now I’ve still got the feeling of being able to play every day,” said Peña, who has played primarily third base as Matt Duffy recovers from an Achilles tendon injury.
Said manager Bruce Bochy of Peña: The fact that we’re a little beat up right now with Duffy out, we’re hoping that these guys come up, fill in nicely and be productive.
[...] baseman Kelby Tomlinson (thumb) took grounders and is a week to 10 days from starting a rehab assignment. …
Shortstop Ehire Adrianza (foot) is probably at least a month away from beginning a rehab assignment, Bochy said. …
Right-hander Matt Cain (hamstring) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session.
Cain will likely have a rehab assignment, something he skipped during his first stint on the disabled list.
The Giants are in the midst of a 29-game stretch in which they do not play a team that currently has a winning record.