George Kontos heading to DL with flexor strain

If you were wondering why long reliever Chris Heston came into a tied, extra innings game with George Kontos still available, here's your answer: Kontos wasn't available. The right-hander has a flexor strain, similar to Sergio Romo's injury, and he'll be sidelined for at least a month.

There's a chance that he'll miss a lot more than that, too. Doug Fister missed a month with a flexor strain last year, but we still haven't seen Homer Bailey since his flexor strain (which eventually begat Tommy John surgery.) Matt Cain's injury woes started with a flexor strain that led to other complications with the elbow, so this isn't the most predictable of maladies.

Remember that bullpen depth in the minors? Well, the Giants are going to need it. Not sure who had "like, right away" in the office pool, but the Giants are already dipping into their reserves before the first month is over.

It would be a minor surprise if Mike Broadway weren't the Kontos replacement. He's already on the 40-man roster, and he threw well in the spring. Even if his Giants debut was less than thrilling last season, he dominated in Sacramento, and he's almost certainly overqualified for Triple-A.

Steven Okert is another possibility because it's like Earl Weaver said, if you're going to be a weird team with 13 relievers, why not add a third lefty? He's also on the 40-man roster, with no additional roster move required, similar to Jake Smith, who is off to a fast start in Double-A. Jake Dunning could also be a possibility, but he would take the roster spot that opens up when Ian Gardeck is placed on the 60-day DL. I would think the Giants would prefer to keep that roster spot in a glass case.

Kontos was the reliever before the long reliever on the depth chart, the sixth-inning guy, but with Sergio Romo out, he slid up a spot. The end of Giants games are going to look a little different with him out, and here's wishing for a very predictable, mild flexor strain with no surprises.