"The Giants restored a big piece to their roster Tuesday, when they activated Carlos Beltran from the disabled list. The All-Star outfielder tested his strained right hand during a vigorous round of batting practice from both sides of the plate; he was available off the bench and popped out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, and is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday.

But the injury jigsaw continues to cut the defending champs. The club placed Jonathan Sanchez on the D.L. to make room for Beltran when it was determined the left-hander's sprained right ankle wouldn't allow him to make his next start.

Nate Schierholtz could be headed to the D.L. on Wednesday, too. An MRI exam and CT scan showed a fracture in his right foot, which has been sore since he fouled a ball off it in the eighth inning Aug. 15 at Atlanta. He wasn't sure how long he would be out."