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The Giants placed right fielder and spirit animal Hunter Pence on the disabled list Thursday due to a hamstring injury. Though that doesn't sound particularly bad, there are levels of severity to everything and, well ...

Cryptic for sure, but I don't think we should expect anything resembling a short disabled list stint.

Pence has established himself as one of the most valuable players for the Giants since coming over in a 2012 trade and helping them win the World Series. He didn't miss a game in 2013 and had a huge season. He played every single game, including the postseason, while helping them win another World Series in 2014.

In 2015, however, multiple injuries plagued him. He was only able to start 51 games. The Giants went 34-17 when he started and 50-61 when he didn't. Obviously we can't assume he was the only difference in them missing the playoffs, but he was certainly a factor.

What are the options within the organization?

So the Giants are now facing what looks like an extended period of time without Pence again. Angel Pagan also has a hamstring injury, so the Giants are left with Jarrett Parker and Gregor Blanco flanking center fielder Denard Span. Mac Williamson is their fourth outfielder, though they've used Kelby Tomlinson out there this season, too.

As for minor-league help, there's really no one that would likely move the needled (Kyle Blanks? Gorkys Hernandez?).

Time for a trade?

What about the trade market? Well, it's mostly stagnant at this point, because so few teams are out of the race. It's only June 2, after all. We know Ryan Braun is out there, but his contract status makes this untenable for the Giants' situation.

Would Jay Bruce work? He's hitting .271/.321/.559 with 10 doubles, four triples and 11 homers so far this season for a Reds club that is buried already and in full-on rebuilding mode. He's making $12.5 million this season but almost 1/3 of that is already in the rearview. There's a $13 million club option for next season with a $1 million buyout, so Bruce could be used as a mercenary here before being let go to free agency.

Some might point out that Bruce swings left-handed, like Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Brandon Crawford and Denard Span. So, sure, he's less than ideal on that front, but both Blanco and Parker swing lefty as well.

Would the Reds only want salary relief here or a prospect back? Possibly both, but it's at least worth it for the Giants to find out. Their lead in the NL West is 4 1/2 games over the Dodgers -- who have been playing much better of late -- and the corner outfield spots are a mess right now.