Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Though manager Bruce Bochy is saying the right things about getting injuries out of the way early, he cannot be thrilled that two-fifths of his starting rotation is down with back injuries.

Bochy took comfort, though, in learning that the stiff back that sidelined Tim Lincecum on Tuesday is not nearly as serious as Ryan Vogelsong’s strained lower back, which might keep him out for 10 more days.

Lincecum bypassed his scheduled every-other-day bullpen session after reporting the stiffness and attempting a few throws on flat ground. Instead, he went to the training room for treatment.

Bochy characterized it as “general stiffness” that affects many players early in camp as they stand for periods of time between drills. He said Lincecum had the same problem last year.

“I don’t see this as being an issue at all,” Bochy said, though he acknowledged Lincecum could not have pitched Tuesday.

“It’s pretty stiff,” he said. “We weren’t going to push it.”