"How strange that of all the injuries that can befall a pitcher - arm trouble, back pain, an oblique strain, a broken bone from a comebacker - it took a freak foot sprain to land Barry Zito on the disabled list for the first time in his 12-year major-league career.

The Giants placed the left-hander on the 15-day DL on Sunday.

Zito pondered the term "disabled list" and said, "I don't even know what that means. It's a blessing I waited 12 years to hear those words. It's all weird."

Zito had an MRI exam Sunday morning, which confirmed he sprained the middle of his right foot while fielding a bunt Saturday night. The Giants did not wait for those test results. After the game, they purchased the contract of pitcher Ryan Vogelsong from Triple-A Fresno. He will start in Zito's place against Atlanta at home Friday night unless the Giants run into a bullpen emergency and need him in Colorado."