SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants placed backup catcher Hector Sanchez on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder in one of several roster moves made by the slumping World Series champions.
Sanchez has been bothered by a sore shoulder since the spring and has played sparingly as a backup to All-Star Buster Posey. He popped out as a pinch-hitter in the 13th inning of San Francisco’s 16-inning, 4-3 loss to the New York Mets on Monday night.
Pitcher Michael Kickham was called up from Triple-A Fresno to help the Giants weary bullpen. San Francisco also purchased the contract of second baseman Kensuke Tanaka from Fresno and designated outfielder Cole Gillespie for assignment.
Additionally, the team agreed to terms with veteran outfielder Jeff Francoeur on a minor league contract.
