Angel

Pagan

Pagan has hit in six of his last seven games, but with Matt Murton playing better, the switch-hitter’s opportunities may be rather limited for now. Murton also homered today.

Pagan is still at least two weeks away from returning to the Cubs. “That was a pretty serious injury,’' manager Dusty Baker said. “He’s progressing, but not as quickly as we’d like. We were hoping he’d be closer than he is.’'

His workload will be increased in the ensuing days before he goes on a rehab assignment. Pagan isn’t expected back with the Cubs until after the All-Star break.

He’s already eligible to return. Pagan, who has been recovering since April 16 from a strained left hamstring, is getting closer to a minor-league rehab assignment but is expected to need a lengthy stint because of his extended recovery.

Pagan is likely to get his bench job back when he’s ready to return next month.

More bad news for Matt Murton owners. Pagan, who went on the DL on April 16 with a strained left hamstring, is another option for the Cubs in left field. He might have some fantasy value later on, though Murton is likely to be the better player over the rest of the year.

Good news for rookie right-hander Julio Teheran, who will start the nightcap for Atlanta. Angel Pagan and Jason Bay will also be on the bench.

Bochy had considered Melky Cabrera for the leadoff spot, but sticking Pagan there seemed most likely all along. Cabrera is likely to play center field, while Nate Schierholtz is slated for right field duty. Pagan batted .262/.322/.372 with seven home runs, 56 RBI and 32 stolen bases last season for the Mets.

In other words, Pagan, who’s hitting .130/.200/.217 through his first 25 Giants’ plate appearances, could face frequent benchings until he gets going. “I know he’s working hard to try to get going,” Bochy said. “It’s early, but until he gets it going we could tweak the lineup a little bit until he gets his swing. We’ve got (Gregor) Blanco to help out, Nate (Schierholtz) too. We’re going to go with matchups and use these guys too.” It’s not a good time to be relying on Pagan in deeper mixed leagues.

The Giants entered the ninth inning at a 5-3 deficit. But Joaquin Arias walked, Ryan Theriot singled and Pagan played the hero with a towering shot to left field. Santiago Casilla closed it out with a perfect bottom of the ninth, striking out Zack Cozart, Drew Stubbs and Joey Votto in order. Pagan is batting .241 with a .745 OPS, three homers, seven RBI and two stolen bases.