In 97 games, Panik was batting .309, eighth best in the National League, with seven homers and 35 RBIs. Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
ATLANTA — San Francisco decided to err on the side of caution with second baseman Joe Panik, viewing the decision to place him on the 15-day disabled list as a long-term solution.
Panik has been struggling with pain in his lower back. He missed three games, returned for a game and came away with the same issues.
“He’s going to take some time, which he needs,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He strained his lower back and it was not getting better.”
Panik will fly back to San Francisco and be examined by the team’s doctors, but is expected to return when his stint on the DL is complete.
“My hope is when the two weeks are up, he’ll be ready to go,” Bochy said.
In 97 games, Panik was batting .309, eighth best in the National League, with seven homers and 35 RBIs.
With Panik on the DL, the team recalled rookie Kelby Tomlinson from Triple-A Sacramento. Tomlinson split the season between Double-A Richmond, where he mostly played shortstop, and Sacramento, where he played second base. He was batting a combined .321 with 19 doubles and 43 RBIs, with 21 stolen bases.
“He’s a good athlete, he can run and steal a base,” Bochy said. “We need some help right now and this kid is probably the best all-around help we have.”
Tomlinson made his debut on Monday night and delivered a pinch-hit single. He wound up scoring the go-ahead run, but the Giants could not hold the lead.
“He had a good at-bat,” Bochy said. “That was a nice piece of hitting.”
