Saturday, April 19, 2008

Giants bring back Yabu, drop Davis

Lefty Threets goes on DL; Burriss to join big league team

Nate Latsch / Special to MLB.com
The San Francisco Giants made several roster moves after Saturday's 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

The Giants placed left-handed relief pitcher Erick Threets on the disabled list with a right intercostal strain, recalled right-handed pitcher Keiichi Yabu from Triple-A Fresno and designated outfielder Rajai Davis for assignment.

On Sunday, they will purchase the contract of shortstop Emmanuel Burriss from Triple-A Fresno.

"We're hoping to get Davis some playing time," manager Bruce Bochy said after the game. "He hasn't been getting the playing time that he needs up here and we want to get some help for [Brian] Bocock. We think Burriss can come up here and help us. He also gives us some speed on the bench. He's similar to Davis, he just gives us more infield depth.

"Our outfield situation is covered. [Daniel] Ortmeier can go out there. [Eugenio] Velez can go out there. We think it's the best thing for Davis and for us at this point."

Davis, who was acquired by San Francisco from the Pirates along with a player to be named (right-hander Stephen Macfarland) for pitcher Matt Morris last July, batted .282 and stole 17 bases in 51 games for the Giants a year ago.

But this season, Davis was hitting .056 (one hit in 18 at-bats) with two runs scored and four stolen bases in 12 games. Playing time in the outfield was hard to come by, with regulars like Aaron Rowand and Randy Winn and emerging players like Fred Lewis and hot-hitting rookie John Bowker.

Davis said he understands the move and is looking forward to his next opportunity, either with Triple-A Fresno or if he is claimed by another Major League team.

"Everything works out perfect for me," Davis said.

The 23-year-old Burriss is expected to provide some depth in the infield, specifically behind rookie shortstop Bocock, and add some offense.

In his first 16 games with the Fresno Grizzlies, Burriss batted .258 (16 hits in 62 at-bats) with two extra-base hits, six RBIs, six runs scored and two stolen bases. He had a .281 on-base percentage and .306 slugging percentage.

"He can play short and second," Bochy said. "It gives us a little more flexibility."

The manager said Threets, who walked four, struck out one and allowed two hits in 2 1/3 innings Friday against the Cardinals, pulled something in his right side Friday night.

"He was reaching for a ball yesterday and felt a pull in his side," Bochy said. "We don't mess with that area there."

The 39-year-old Yabu tossed two innings for Fresno on Thursday. He allowed one run on two hits, walked two and struck out one batter.

Yabu is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 9 1/3 innings for the Giants this year. He was sent down to Fresno to make room on the roster for reliever Vinnie Chulk's return from the disabled list earlier this week.

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