Giants check Nuñez for concussion
Eduardo Nuñez, the Giants' hottest hitter, might have to go on the concussion disabled list after getting clocked in the first inning of Sunday's 7-1 victory over the Braves.
Calixte took batting practice on the field during his holding pattern.
Nuñez was woozy after his slide home on a passed ball Sunday.
[...] what actually caused his concussion symptoms is unclear.
Kurt Suzuki's throw to pitcher R.A. Dickey did hit Nuñez on the helmet, but Nuñez reported a bigger blow to his jaw.
[...] keen-eyed observers might have noticed that Nuñez's helmet actually stayed on his head, a rarity that was no accident.
Clubhouse manager Brad Grams, fearing that Nuñez might get beaned by a throw, added padding to Nuñez's helmet just before this series.
The Giants are hoping Nuñez does not need to go on the DL He is hitting .344 in his past 16 games.
Christian Arroyo will start at third base, ending his planned break after two games instead of three.
Interestingly, manager Bruce Bochy said Calixte might be activated while he's in San Francisco even if Nuñez does not go on the DL because he provides the versatility the Giants lack on the bench.
The 25-year-old former Royals farmhand, who got a very short big-league callup in 2015, can play all three outfield positions and most of the infield as well.
Calixte might have been up already if not for his own concussion, which occurred as he slammed into the outfield in Oklahoma City on May 16 trying to catch what became a homer by Dodgers infield prospect Willie Calhoun (formerly of Benicia High).
Calixte's greatest value might be his ability to play center field.
Former Giant Barry Zito, now a professional singer and songwriter, will perform during pregame ceremonies.
Zito has been very supportive of troops returning from battle with scars physical and mental.
Hunter Pence, who is opening a coffee-gaming store in Houston, will appear at the Peet's in the Ferry Building from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday as a guest barista.
The firm will donate $2,500 to the charities of the players' choice and up to $10,000 to the Giants Community Fund on sales of their Giants Clubhouse Blend.
The Nationals come to San Francisco having scored nearly 100 more runs than the Giants, 274-179.
[...] Matt Moore, Jeff Samardzija, Matt Cain and the bullpen face a tough challenge the next three games.
Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.