San Francisco placed shortstop Rich Aurilia on the DL Tuesday retroactive to Monday. Aurilia had surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow on Wednesday. A sore elbow has plagued him for most of the season and the pain increasingly worsened over the week prior to his surgery.

His elbow hindered him both in the field and at the plate, particularly hampering his swing. In 135 AB this season, he had a 5:23 B:KK with 35 H, 10 2B, 1 3B, and 3 HR for a .259 BA, .291 OBP, and a .415 SLG. When compared to his career .282 BA, .335 OBP, .455 SLG and .54 BB:K, the decline is clearly apparent. Aurilia could have attempted to play through the pain, but at this point the Giants feel he's better off missing a few weeks and coming back full strength than playing at this limited level.

Aurilia is anxious to return. Just a day after leaving the team for San Francisco to have his surgery and only hours after surgery, he flew to rejoin them in Arizona on Wednesday. While the projected recovery time is 4-6 weeks, Aurilia plans to attempt to be ready by the time he's eligible to come off the DL. I'm fairly pessimistic about this attitude as I feel it frequently leads to a rushed rehab and subsequent prolonged problems, as opposed to following the prescribed approach and returning fully recovered.

San Francisco needs Aurilia and shouldn't mess around with trying to get him back a few days earlier while risking a few weeks. So far this season they've been fairly lucky with injuries. Jeff Kent only missed four days following his Spring Training accident. Bonds avoided the DL and performed acceptably even when hobbled. The only seriously injured players on their team this year are Jason Schmidt and Jason Christiansen.

Ramon Martinez took Aurilia's #2 slot in the lineup in addition to replacing him at shortstop. Although he lacks speed, Martinez possesses moderate to good plate discipline with decent power potential, displayed in his doubles. Manager Dusty Baker has increased Martinez's use in each of the past four seasons, giving him time at all four infield positions; he doesn't mind playing him when an infielder is injured.

The Giants activated Shawon Dunston from the DL to fill Aurilia's roster spot. He's reportedly fully recovered from the strained rib cage that caused his trip to the disabled list and should return to his duties as a right-handed pinch hitter and extra outfielder.

Aurilia's injury means that the Giants don't have to make a decision on which of their outfielders to demote for a few more weeks. Tom Goodwin, called up when Dunston went on the DL, has performed well. In 20 AB, he has 6 H with a 2:4 BB:K, but his four stolen bases are the main reason San Francisco doesn't want to lose him on waivers attempting to send him down. Goodwin would also likely opt for free agency rather than accept a minor league assignment.

Tsuyoshi Shinjo has struggled this season, with an 11:20 BB:K and 38 H in 154 AB for a .247 BA, .306 OBP, and a .351 SLG. He wasn't an offensive stud last season, but his .286 BA, .320 OBP, and .405 SLG were significantly preferable to his current numbers. After acquiring him from the Mets with Desi Relaford in exchange for Shawn Estes, San Francisco expected Shinjo to claim the centerfield job with strong play. Unfortunately for him, his difficulties this season left the job open for Goodwin. However, the team doesn't want to demote Shinjo as they value his defense and crowd appeal.

Marvin Benard's salary likely precludes his demotion, despite a 6:12 BB:K and only 15 H in 60 IP for a .250 BA, .318 OBP, and .333 SLG. Benard and cornerman Damon Minor are the only left-handed bats on the Giants' bench, another reason why Benard should remain in the majors. San Francisco also prefers to carry extra infielders to outfielders, ruling out the potential demotion of Minor, Martinez, or the primary right-handed pinch-hitter, cornerman Pedro Feliz.

The struggles of Giants' reliever Felix Rodriguez this season have been well documented. In 20.2 IP, Rodriguez has allowed 23 hits, including 3 HR, and 12 walks with only 17 strikeouts, compared to his career 8 H/9, 4.4 BB/9, 8.6 K/9, and 1.9 K:BB. His high walk/low strikeout numbers indicate he's having difficulty locating his pitches, which could indicate a mechanical or health problem.

Due to his inability to resume his former dominance, the situation has reached the point where San Francisco has at least begun to discuss the possibility of sending FRod to the minors for a time. However, they're unlikely to follow through with such a step and will try to let him work through whatever his problem. The club does feel that they've ruled out injury as the cause of his difficulties.

Fortunately, Tim Worrell and Jay Witasick have bolstered the bullpen with quality performances. Worrell has given up only 20 H in 24 IP while compiling an 18:6 K:BB. Witasick, in 22 IP, has a 17:9 K:BB with only 18 hits allowed, which is a bit better than in the past, but both performances are supported by their skills. The Giants also have several prospects if they do decide to make changes in the pen. Christiansen could be moved to the 60-day DL to make room for someone like Jeff Verplancke, Robbie Crabtree, or even Manny Aybar on the 40-man roster.