Hector Sanchez said he expects to catch mostly on days when Barry Zito is starting.

Buster Posey is catching all three games this weekend, so Sanchez will make his first start Monday. The arrangement potentially gives Posey a built-in off-day, although he could also be used at first base.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy praised Hector Sanchez on Tuesday, as the 22-year-old seeks a spot on the Opening Day roster.

"Sure, he's done enough to make this club," Bochy said. "We need to decide what's best for Hector and the club." Sanchez has cooled off at the plate recently, batting only 2-for-12 (.167) since his blistering .452 start. But he has hit much better than veteran catchers Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart, and also projects as a better hitter going forward. Although Bochy has highlighted the need to boost the Giants' offense, don't be surprised if he gives the youngster a little more seasoning at Triple-A to start the season.

Hector Sanchez came off the bench to homer from both sides of the plate Sunday in the Giants' 7-5 win over the Mariners.

So much for testing that right hamstring he tweaked last week. Sanchez is 7-for-14 with three homers and eight RBI this spring. If he comes close to keeping it up, the Giants will have little choice but to carry him as a third catcher and pinch-hitter.

Hector Sanchez expects to miss the next 2-3 days with a right hamstring injury.

Sanchez injured his hamstring during Tuesday's Cactus League game. The Giants are considering keeping the 22-year-old switch hitter around as a third catcher and pinch-hitter.

Hector Sanchez followed up Saturday's homer by going 3-for-3 with a double and three RB as a Giants split-squad beat the Diamondbacks 11-1 on Sunday.

The Giants are considering keeping Sanchez as a third catcher and pinch-hitter, though they need to make sure they find him enough playing time if they go that route. One possibility would be to play Buster Posey once or twice per week at first base. Sanchez is just 22 and still rather raw, but his line-drive swing could make him useful off the bench.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said prospect Hector Sanchez could make the team out of spring training as a third catcher.

Sanchez has a real shot and has the added advantage of being a switch-hitter off the bench. The 22-year-old posted just a .646 OPS in 34 plate appearances as a rookie last year, but Sanchez has a solid track record in the minors, batting .295/.373/.443 over five seasons.

Giants recalled C Hector Sanchez from Triple-A Fresno.

Sanchez has picked up one hit in four at-bats this season with the Giants. He'll serve as the third catcher during the final month.

Giants optioned C Hector Sanchez to Triple-A Fresno.

Sanchez has managed one hit in four major league at-bats this season. He could be recalled when rosters expand in September but probably won't see much playing time.

Giants optioned C Hector Sanchez to Triple-A Fresno.

He was cleared to make room for the newly-acquired Jeff Keppinger on the active roster. Sanchez was originally expected to be sent down Tuesday, but he stuck around after Miguel Tejada was placed on the disabled list.

Though he's been optioned to Triple-A Fresno, Hector Sanchez is staying with the Giants for now in case Miguel Tejada (abdomen) needs to go on the disabled list.

The Giants are calling Tejada day-to-day for now, but it sounds like they'll keep Sanchez around for a day or two in case he doesn't improve as expected. Even if he sticks around, it doesn't seem like Sanchez would be in line to play much.

Giants optioned C Hector Sanchez to Triple-A Fresno.

Sanchez was called up from the minors on Friday and went 0-for-3 during his brief stint with the big club. The corresponding roster move hasn't been announced, although there is some buzz about a possible promotion for Brandon Belt.

The recently promoted Hector Sanchez isn't expected to get a lot of playing time.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that Sanchez "might draw an occasional start," with his first start possibly coming Saturday, when he would be teamed up with Barry Zito, who he caught while Zito was on his rehab assignment. Sanchez has some offensive upside but should be ignored in fantasy leagues if he's not going to play.

Giants purchased the contract of C Hector Sanchez from Triple-A Fresno.

Sanchez, 21, hit .302/.337/.465 with eight homers over 258 at-bats between High- and Triple-A this season. The Giants currently have three catchers on the roster, but a spot will have to be cleared on the 40-man for Sanchez, and it seems likely that Chris Stewart will be designated for assignment. Sanchez could wind up with some deep league value if he gets regular playing time.

The Giants are expected to call up Hector Sanchez from Triple-A Fresno Friday.

Sanchez, 21, is batting .302/.337/.465 with eight homers over 258 at-bats between High- and Triple-A this season. Though he's failed to go deep in 82 at-bats for Fresno, he has batted .305, so he hasn't been overwhelmed after jumping past Double-A. He figures to share time with Eli Whiteside behind the plate and might be worth a look in two-catcher leagues.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that catching prospect Hector Sanchez is a valid insurance policy in case of an injury to Eli Whiteside or Chris Stewart.

GM Brian Sabean basically said as much earlier this month. Sanchez, 21, is batting .310 over eight games since being promoted from High-A San Jose to Triple-A Fresno. The offensive-minded catcher has also hit eight homers and driven in 52 runs overall on the year. We'd have to think the Giants would look to the trade route before giving Sanchez extensive playing time, but it's clear that they think highly of him.