John

Bowker

Bowker is headed to Japan, where he’s found a more substantial contract and a better shot at regular playing time. The 28-year-old batted .133/.188/.167 across 32 plate appearances last season for the Pirates and Phils.

DeRosa underwent more tests on Wednesday relating to the aggravated nerve in his left wrist and numbness in the bottom part of his hand. John Bowker figures to benefit the most should the injury require a stint on the disabled list or another surgery.

Schierholtz said he could have played on Friday, but Giants manager Bruce Bochy is being cautious. Andres Torres will start in right field while John Bowker plays left.

We’d like to see Bowker starting against righties with Mark DeRosa out, but the Giants had been playing Andres Torres instead. Odds are that he will make at least a couple of more starts this weekend with the Giants playing in Oakland and the DH available.

The Giants haven’t scored a run in 20 innings, so they are trying something new. Pablo Sandoval will make his second start of the year at first base, while Juan Uribe will start at third base. Andres Torres will lead off and play right field, pushing Nate Schierholtz and John Bowker are both on the bench. Edgar Renteria is the new No. 2 hitter.

Bowker, 31, hasn’t played in the majors since 2011 and was batting .263/.304/.372 with three home runs and 12 RBI over 43 games this season with the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate. He’ll serve as organizational depth with Pittsburgh.

The outfielder joined the Pirates in a midseason trade from the Giants, but failed to see any time with the big league club. He hasn’t played in a major league game since 2011 and will have to settle for a minor league deal this offseason.

Like Nate Schierholtz, he might have an easier path to the majors as a first baseman with the way the Giants are set up now. Dan Ortmeier is a real long shot to hold on to the job all season long, and either Schierholtz or Bowker could get a look later on.

Bowker hit .156 in 11 games since being called up on July 9. He’ll head back to Triple-A, where playing time is more plentiful and the pitching is easier.

Bowker is one of the best hitters in the San Francisco organization, and it’s a shame he had to spend the first three months in the minors. He’s up and getting a chance now, so he’s well worth watching in NL-only leagues.