"Brandon Phillips (wrist) missed his third straight start Sunday, but Phillips pinch-ran and scored the run that put Cincinnati up 7-5 in the eighth inning.

"He's getting better, but he's not there yet," manager Dusty Baker said.

Second baseman Phillips was hit on the right wrist last Wednesday by a 95 mph fastball, courtesy of Giants pitcher Santiago Casilla.

Phillips fielded some ground balls before Sunday's game, and was seen flexing his hand after throwing.

Phillips also has been squeezing a ball of putty, to get his grip back.

When injured, Phillips was leading the National League in runs scored (90) and hits (151).

Phillips, hand wrapped, scored Sunday on an infield single by Jonny Gomes.

"Brandon said that was the easiest thing he's ever done in baseball, just trotting in from third," Baker said.

Phillips, who has kept a low profile while rehabbing, departed the postgame clubhouse before most reporters arrived.

Rookie Chris Valaika has filled in for Phillips. Valaika hit safely in all three weekend starts, and has hit .333 (5-for-15) since being called up last Tuesday."