The Giants will be missing one of their most important relievers when the spring exhibition season opens on Friday.
Left-hander Will Smith underwent an MRI on his sore left elbow and will be held out of action for a week, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. The test did not show any structural damage beyond inflammation, and if it calms down as expected, Bochy said that Smith could debut around March 20 and still get the six exhibition appearances he'd need to be ready for opening day.
Smith hasn't faced hitters in live batting practice the previous two days.