Sandoval lands on D.L.; S.F. designates Burriss

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants hoped to avoid placing third baseman Pablo Sandoval on the disabled list because he'd have to remain there until Aug. 9, but not knowing when he might be available forced them to make the move Saturday.

Acquiring infielder Marco Scutaro from the Colorado Rockies on Friday made it easier. Scutaro arrived late Saturday morning and was quickly installed in the starting lineup at third base, a position he has not played since 2008.

"We just didn't want to go short here for an unknown number of days," manager Bruce Bochy said. "The best thing to do is give (Sandoval) his full 15 days and make sure he fully recovers from this strained hamstring. At the same time, we have a full 25-man roster."

The Giants also activated veteran first baseman Aubrey Huff and designated utility infielder Emmanuel Burriss for assignment.

Sandoval suffered a strained left hamstring Tuesday against San Diego while stretching to field a throw at first base.

Bochy said that Huff, who has been on the D.L. since June 14 with a right knee sprain suffered in the celebration of Matt Cain's perfect game, will be used off the bench but also could get some occasional starts.

-- CARL STEWARD