SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Bruce Bochy has announced his lineup for Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals in Surprise.
San Francisco Giants
Gregor Blanco, CF
Freddy Sanchez, DH
Nate Schierholtz, RF
Brett Pill, 1B
Conor Gillaspie, 3B
Joaquin Arias, 2B
Brandon Crawford, SS
Eli Whiteside, C
Emmanuel Burriss, LF
(Tim Lincecum, RHP)
Looks like Bruce Bochy decided to rest a few regulars for Monday's game to give some of the fringe players a chance to play.
Gregor Blanco gets the nod to play center lead off after starting in right field Sunday. He went 2-for-3 with a run scored and his fifth stolen base of the spring and raised his Cactus League average to .474 in 19 at-bats.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
After getting the day off Sunday, Freddy Sanchez is back in the lineup, but still won't play defense. Bruce Bochy had said on Friday that Sanchez could play second base for the first time this spring against the Royals, but later backtracked on Saturday. Bochy hopes Sanchez can return to defensive duties later this week.
With Nate Schierholtz back in the lineup, it appears his bruised hip is fine. Schierholtz said he sustained the minor injury in Saturday's game, but expected to be in the lineup against the Royals.
With Brett Pill at first base and Conor Gillaspie at third base, it means rest for Aubrey Huff, Brandon Belt and Pablo Sandoval. Pill sat out Sunday's game and is batting .292 with a home run and five RBIs in 24 at-bats. Gillaspie also didn't see action against the Seattle Mariners and is the owner of a .235 average in 17 at-bats.
Brandon Crawford is back in Bochy's lineup after raising his Cactus League average to .429 with two extra-base hits Saturday and resting on Sunday.
San Francisco Giants
Emmanuel Burriss gets a rare outfield start. Without any minor league options remaining, Burriss needs to show his versatility by ranging between the infield and the outfield if he hopes to hang on to his roster spot.
Last but not least, Tim Lincecum will take the hill in Surprise for his third outing. Lincecum is off to his usual rough spring start, to the tune of a 13.50 ERA in four innings. Bochy will likely stretch him out and let his ace go four innings Monday.