NEW YORK -- Brandon Crawford had a double in three at-bats Monday night in what was likely the only game of his rehab assignment. Manager Bruce Bochy said Monday that Crawford would return to the team on Tuesday if his game with the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels went according to plan, and Crawford had no apparent issues. He played six innings as planned.
Crawford's double came in his first at-bat. He grounded out to first the next time up and then flied out to left. The shortstop hasn't played since April 25, when he strained his groin while rounding first base late in the game. The Giants originally anticipated Crawford missing just 10 days, but they ultimately decided to be careful with one of their most important players.
"With the difficult types of plays that he has to make, you can't bring him back (early)," Bochy said earlier on the road trip.
The Giants have missed Crawford's bat, but the DL stint has mostly reiterated how important his glove is in the middle of the infield. During a sweep at the hands of the Reds, several would-be double play balls turned into singles into center field.
