Lance

Niekro

X-rays were negative. Niekro is expected to begin the season at Triple-A.

Niekro missed most of spring training with a right ankle sprain.

Niekro has played in just five games for Triple-A Fresno this season.

Niekro also had two RBI yesterday. He’s starting to get more playing time versus right-handers now, but it’s still left-handers that he’s doing his damage against. He has nine homers in 86 at-bats versus southpaws and two in 119 at-bats against righties.

“There’s a possibility that the DL is going to be mentioned,” Giants manager Felipe Alou said. If Niekro returns to the DL, the Giants might give Travis Ishikawa another look.

The injury-prone tag isn’t likely to go away anytime soon. Niekro is day-to-day. Mark Sweeney is filling in for him at first base.

Mark Sweeney was brought in to pinch-hit for him. Niekro missed the previous two games with right groin soreness.

It’s the second DL stint of the year for Niekro. Travis Ishikawa and Mark Sweeney will replace him at first base, with Jose Vizcaino perhaps getting a couple of starts against left-handers.

The Giants will likely continue to be cautious with the injury-prone Niekro. He should be in the starting lineup on Sunday.

Niekro should be ready to be activated from the disabled list when he is eligible on Tuesday.