Freddy Sanchez likely to begin season on DL

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reports that Freddy Sanchez “almost certainly will not be ready for Opening Day” and “is likely to begin the season on the disabled list” following January shoulder surgery that the Giants initially tried to keep secret. Sanchez was first said to be “questionable” for Opening Day, but the Giants recently changed his status to “doubtful” and manager Bruce Bochy called him “very doubtful” when asked yesterday. Bochy noted that the Giants “have experienced guys to help out” in Sanchez’s absence, with Juan Uribe likely to start in his place at second base and Mark DeRosa also available to play some infield if needed. The latter would likely open up some outfield at-bats for Freddy Lewis. So far the Giants’ decision to acquire Sanchez at the trading deadline has been a disaster. They gave up a solid pitching prospect to get him from the Pirates and then signed him to a two-year, $11 million extension, but so far Sanchez has had more surgeries than home runs.