Arizona

Giants Spring Training Day 43: A Big Game for Veteran Trying to Lock Up OF Job

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - For the first time, Gorkys Hernandez did not go back to Venezuela in the offseason to play winter ball. He's hoping that leads to another first. 

Hernandez has never made an opening day roster, but after breaking into the Giants' outfield rotation last season, he entered the winter in a decent shot. To bolster his case, Hernandez stayed in Scottsdale over the offseason to work out at the minor league facility. The added strength didn't lead to any notable results over the first month of games, but Hernandez broke through Monday with three doubles in the final home game of the spring.

"Sometimes (slumps) happen and sometimes you're late (on pitches) and you don't feel comfortable at the plate, but now I feel different. I feel better," Hernandez said. "I'm recognizing pitches and trying to keep it simple and not do too much."

The coaching staff has asked several players to head down to the minor league facility late in the spring and get additional at-bats, and Hernandez took Bruce Bochy up on the offer. He twice played in minor league games, and on Sunday he rotated into different games so he could get six at-bats. Hernandez said that helped him find his timing. 

"Without question, it helped his timing," Bochy said. "He was off. He was getting out front, his timing was off. I think the at-bats he got paid off."

The three-double day was perfectly timed. Hernandez entered with a .159 average and Justin Ruggiano, the other option as a backup center fielder, had started to put together better at-bats. Monday's game was a reminder in more ways than one. Hernandez showed off the type of speed the Giants won't have on the bench if Kelby Tomlinson is optioned, and he played all three outfield positions, switching from left to right to center. 

The role in play is one Gregor Blanco had for five seasons. The Giants would like Hernandez to be their defensive whiz at every outfield spot, and they're light on true center fielders. If the Giants put Hernandez on the roster this week as expected, he'll be ready to try and be the new Blanco. 

"If they give me that role, I'll try to do the same thing," he said. "Or better."

THE ACE: Madison Bumgarner is going to Madison Bumgarner. He threw seven sharp innings Monday, lowering his spring ERA to 2.52. In 25 innings, he has allowed just 17 hits and struck out 23. Bochy appreciated Bumgarner's intensity Monday against a Reds team that was filled with minor leaguers. 

"That's what makes him so good," Bochy said. "He takes every outing seriously. His preparation doesn't waver."

Bumgarner even added a single, and he liked that it came on a breaking ball. He's worked on getting better at hitting those pitches, which he's seeing more and more. 

"I feel I'm as ready as I can be to start the season," Bumgarner said. 

His next pitch will be thrown Sunday at Chase Field. 

GAME RECAP: The Giants blasted poor Reds starter Cody Reed, hanging 10 runs on his line in 3 2/3 innings. Denard Span had two hits and Aaron Hill had three, driving in three runs. Bochy went with an interesting lineup, leading off with Span, Brandon Belt, Hunter Pence, Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford. He said he likes Crawford in that five-spot. He also plans to hit the pitcher eighth on occasion.

TRAINER'S ROOM: Joe Panik was drilled by a fastball in the lower back and he came out of the game as a precaution. Panik has a nasty welt, so he's in for a night of ice, but there are no concerns. 

QUOTABLE: Posey turned 30 today. As he walked out to stretch, Bumgarner was asked if he was giving Posey a hard time. "No, he's been 30 for the last seven years," Bumgarner said.

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