Jeffery Hammonds fractured his right thumb above the knuckle during San Francisco's March 9th game against Milwaukee. The injury occurred when Chris Capuano hit Hammonds with an inside pitch, trapping his thumb between the bat and the ball. Hammonds seems to believe his former team was out to get him, but there's little to support that theory. A pitch merely appears to have gotten away from Capuano, who wasn't even with the Brewers when Hammonds was in Milwaukee.

The Giants don't believe he'll need surgery to set the fracture, but he'll likely miss four to six weeks while it heals and he rehabs. Since that wipes out the rest of spring training, San Francisco probably will place him on the disabled list to open the season, so that he can take his time and log a few rehab at-bats before joining the club.

Barry Bonds halted his batting practice yesterday when he experienced pain in his lower back. He stretched out on the ground, where concerned trainers came over to investigate. They did some stretches, but while he briefly returned to the plate, he ended the session early to head inside for further treatment. He's reportedly experiencing some mild inflammation and irritation of the sacroiliac joint, which is located at the base of the spine. Since its spring training, the Giants have no reason to push him. Bonds will take it easy for a few days, but he should return to their spring lineup early next week. The condition evidently is a symptom of the 40-year-old's increasing age, however those involved don't appear worried that this could last beyond a couple of days. While this problem may recur during the season, it's an issue that would keep him out for a few days rather than a few weeks or more.