SAN FRANCISCO -- As expected, Joe Panik had surgery to repair the damaged UCL in his left thumb.
Panik had the procedure Monday after seeing a specialist in Los Angeles. The initial guess from manager Bruce Bochy was that his second baseman would be out at least six weeks, but Bochy said doctors "felt really good about how everything went." Panik can do one-handed swings and throw until cleared for full activity.
With Panik sidelined until June, the Giants will turn to Kelby Tomlinson and Alen Hanson at second base. Hanson started Monday night because Tomlinson was at short in place of Brandon Crawford, who was getting a rest day.
Panik was hurt while applying a tag to Yasiel Puig in Friday night's game.
--- Madison Bumgarner will fly to Arizona later Monday to see a specialist. The hope is that he is cleared to begin throwing, and Bochy said Bumgarner could start throwing bullpen sessions after three to four flat-ground sessions. Bumgarner cannot be activated until May 26 but the Giants expect him back soon thereafter.
--- Will Smith was at the ballpark Monday after making a final rehab appearance for the River Cats on Sunday. He will be activated before Wednesday's series finale. The Giants also will activate Andrew Suarez to start Tuesday's game. It appears these moves are related, as Suarez is likely to be sent down to clear a spot for Smith. Another player will be sent down Tuesday to clear a spot for Suarez.
--- Mark Melancon played catch again before batting practice. He is said to be doing well, but the Giants don't have a timetable for his return. Melancon, like Bumgarner, is not eligible to return until May 26.
