Giants place Ryan Vogelsong, Santiago Casilla on DL

The Giants' already-suspect pitching staff took a not-unexpected blow on Tuesday as one starter and one reliever were placed on the DL.

The Giants will be without the services of Ryan Vogelsong for some time. USATSI

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Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong has been placed on the DL. As previously noted in this space, Vogelsong was struck on the knuckles Monday night while batting and in doing so suffered two fractures and a dislocation. According to the AP, he's looking at a four-to-six week recovery period in addition to a minor-league rehab assignment. In other words, the Giants will be without him for some time, quite possibly for the remainder of the first half.

This season, the 35-year-old Vogelsong has pitched to a 7.19 ERA in nine starts. He was, however, quite effective in 2011 and 2012. As for replacing Vogelsong, the Giants have time to make a decision, as they won't need a fifth starter until next Tuesday.

Right-handed reliever Santiago Casilla has also been placed on the DL by the Giants. Casilla, who's been troubled by lingering knee discomfort, has a 1.89 ERA in 21 appearances this season. In parts of four seasons with the Giants, he's pitched to a 2.19 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 2.00 K/BB ratio across 189 1/3 innings.