Angel Pagan lands on DL, receives platelet-rich plasma injection in knee

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants placed center fielder Angel Pagan on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with patella tendinitis in his right knee, something he believes has been aggravated dating back to last season given all of his diving catches and plays against the wall.

Pagan received a platelet-rich plasma injection in the knee. He hopes two weeks of rest will get him healthy for the season's final month as the reigning World Series champions chase another playoff berth.

"I'm giving it all. That's all I can do, all I can control," Pagan said. "I would benefit a lot from some time."

San Francisco recalled outfielder Juan Perez from Triple-A Sacramento to fill the roster spot in time for the opener of a two-game interleague series against Houston. The Giants then have a key four-game set with Washington -- a rematch of last year's NL division series.

Pagan was batting .258 with 26 RBI in 103 games, starting 95 of the Giants' first 111 games.

"The knee was really affecting him more from the left side," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He was going out there when he wasn't 100 percent."

Also Tuesday, right-hander Tim Lincecum threw a 40-pitch bullpen session. He considered it on par with a regular "in-between-start bullpen" as he works back from a bruised right forearm. He also was recently diagnosed with degenerative hips, which was not considered a career-threatening injury. He remains optimistic he will pitch again this year.

Right-hander Tim Hudson also threw a bullpen to test his strained throwing shoulder. He was eligible to be activated from the DL on Tuesday, and the Giants will discuss their next move with him. Hudson hasn't pitched since July 26.

Left fielder Nori Aoki left the Giants' game Sunday against the Chicago Cubs after he was hit by a pitch in the head. He was given one day of rest as a precaution but is likely available off the bench Tuesday.

He's expected to start Wednesday afternoon in the series finale against the Astros.

"He passed all his tests, a CT scan," Bochy said.

Aoki was hit on his batting helmet by a 92 mph fastball from Jake Arrieta.

Giants backup catcher Andrew Susac was relegated to a designated hitter role in his rehab assignment for Class-A San Jose following a root canal in the back of his mouth Monday.

Perez has bounced back from tendinitis in both Achilles and a strained ligament in his left wrist and hand.

"It's always good to be back," he said. "I'm trying to come back here and help the team."