Pablo Sandoval still is learning how to be a role player. No longer an everyday third baseman, Sandoval is branching out to expand his versatility. Aside from playing third and first, he has caught bullpen sessions and even pitched a perfect inning, one of the team’s 2018 highlights.

Now, second base is an option. Sandoval has taken grounders at second before the past two games, and the Giants think it’s realistic he can get some innings at the position.

“You never know. You could see a scenario,” said infield coach Ron Wotus , who instructed Sandoval on Saturday while first base coach Jose Alguacil hit grounders. “He looks good. He has quick feet and good hands. So far, so good.”

No. 1 second baseman Joe Panik is out with a thumb injury, and backup Alen Hanson landed on the disabled list after spending just two weeks with the team. Kelby Tomlinson and Miguel Gomez are sharing the position until further notice.

Wotus said cutoffs and relays — not to mention playing out of position in shifts — are significant challenges for someone new to the position.

Consistent Belt: Manager Bruce Bochy commended Brandon Belt for singling home Gregor Blanco from third base with two outs in the fourth inning.

“He’s really become a force,” Bochy said. “This guy is primed to have a really, really nice year. Facing lefties, righties, he’s throwing out good at-bats, supplying power, getting on base. He’s determined to have a big year.”

Belt leads the team in several offensive categories and is playing Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base.

“I think this is the best year I’ve had, so far,” he said. “I think this is what I felt I could always do. It’s just a matter of being consistent. This is what I thought I was going to be able to do before the season started. I feel I can keep going.”

Briefly: Andrew McCutchen exited in the eighth inning with a bruised knee that the team said isn’t serious. He felt it on a seventh-inning slide and is questionable for Sunday. ... Mark Melancon will begin his rehab assignment Monday with Triple-A Sacramento and could return to the Giants in two weeks, Bochy said, but not as the closer right away. Bochy plans to ease him into high-leverage situations.

John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer.