SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The San Francisco Giants could be without All-Star third baseman Pablo Sandoval for at least the next couple of days after he felt numbness in his fingers from right elbow pain before Sunday's spring training game.
Sandoval was injured on a throw during pregame warmups, manager Bruce Bochy said. He will get further treatment on the elbow Monday and possibly Tuesday, though neither Sandoval nor Bochy think it's anything too serious.
"We think he'll be fine," Bochy said after the Giants' 9-7 win over the Colorado Rockies. "But there's always some concern anytime there's an issue with the arm. Right now we feel like it won't be too long.
"He's had this before and came back fairly quickly, so we'll see where we're at in the next day or two," Bochy said.
Sandoval, who is batting .435 in spring training with 10 hits in nine games, was replaced in the lineup by Joaquin Arias. Bochy also has Wilson Valdez and Kensuke Tanaka available to play third in Sandoval's absence if needed.
On Sunday, Hunter Pence had three hits, drove in two runs and scored twice and Brandon Belt went 3 for 4 with two RBIs. The big hit of the game came from outfielder Cole Gillespie, who has an outside shot at a major league roster spot.
Gillespie hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to win the game.
"He's got a knack for hitting left-handers," Bochy said. "He's part of the mix. This thing will go down to the end."
"Hopefully make those coaches think a little more," Gillespie said.
The Giants tagged Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin for four runs on nine hits in 4 2-3 innings. Tim Lincecum pitched four innings, allowing two runs on three hits with three walks and a strikeout for the Giants in his third spring appearance.
Chacin is in line to be the Rockies' opening day starter on April 1 in Milwaukee, but said he really doesn't care much whether he is given that designation.
"It's an honour to pitch the first game, but. you just try to win games. It doesn't matter who gets the first game, the last game," Chacin said. "You're just trying to get all together and pitch good and get wins."
Giants closer Sergio Romo pitched a scoreless ninth inning, but bullpen candidate Scott Proctor struggled in his inning of work, allowing two runs on two hits.
The Rockies fielded a lineup of eight potential regulars, including Chacin. Ramon Hernandez started at catcher but figures more as a backup if he makes the club.
Troy Tulowitzki drove in two runs with a double and a sacrifice fly, and Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer hit RBI doubles off Lincecum in the first inning.
Cuddyer finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs after he doubled again the seventh inning.
"First couple of innings, a little rough," Lincecum said. "I didn't really have rhythm, and then I threw more pitches, I think I kind of gained that rhythm. Things started coming out of my hand a little bit better and where I wanted them to. I felt pretty good as the game progressed."
Lincecum threw 68 pitches.
NOTES: The Giants and Rockies wore green caps in honour of St. Patrick's Day. . After an off day on Monday, LHP Barry Zito starts on Tuesday against Seattle, with Ryan Vogelsong scheduled for a split squad game on Wednesday against Milwaukee. . RHP Jorge De La Rosa is scheduled to start for the Rockies on Monday against Cincinnati. He's coming off a four-inning, six-strikeout shutout performance last week. . RHP Tyler Chatwood was roughed up for three runs on five hits and walked four in three innings of work.
