PHOENIX — Right-hander Matt Cain was placed on the disabled list with a flexor tendon strain in his right arm Tuesday, further complicating the San Francisco Giants’ pitching plans as they open defense of their third World Series title in five years.
Right-hander Ryan Vogelsong took Cain’s scheduled start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday, and he allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings as the Giants lost 7-6.
Meanwhile, rookie right-hander Chris Heston was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to start Wednesday in place of Jake Peavy, who is bothered by back soreness and gave up 13 runs, 11 earned, in his last two spring training appearances. Peavy felt some soreness after his Tuesday bullpen session, calling into question his ability to make a scheduled Sunday in San Diego.
Cain’s injury is not believed to be serious, Bochy said. Cain had three stints on the disabled list last year, and he underwent season-ending surgery to remove bone chips in his right elbow in August.
“It’s unfortunate for Matty,” Bochy said. “He’s worked hard to get back on the mound and he’s had a little hiccup here, but hopefully it won’t be too long. It’s hard to say. Two, three weeks, we’re hoping.”
Cain is due to return to San Francisco to get a second opinion from the Giants’ medical staff later in the week, Bochy said.
The Giants could have moved right-handers Tim Hudson and Tim Lincecum up a day to start Wednesday and Thursday, but Bochy said he did not want to disrupt the rotation more than he had to.
“Ideally it’s not what you want to do, particularly when it is right before the season and you have to made adjustments,” Bochy said. “It goes to show you how important depth is. It makes it easy to make these moves.”
Vogelsong is a candidate to remain in Cain’s spot in the rotation, Bochy acknowledged.
“We’ll wait and see. I don’t want to make that determination yet,” Bochy said. “He’s going to get some starts this year. We’ll see where we are at. I just want Chris to go out there and pitch and not worry about staying in the rotation or whatever. Just go do your thing.”