SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- For years, the Giants would give Sergio Romo time off during spring training to make sure his tender elbow would be ready for opening day. Romo is now a Dodger, but one of the men tasked with replacing those eighth-inning outs has been temporarily shut down.

Will Smith won't throw for about a week because of inflammation in his left elbow. Manager Bruce Bochy said an MRI came back clean, but Smith won't pitch in a game until around March 20. The Giants are confident, however, that Smith will be ready for opening day. Because of the long spring, the staff has mapped out a schedule where Smith can return and make six spring appearances before the regular season.

"I feel fine. We're not concerned," Smith said. "Everything came back fine. The ligament is fine. (The trainers) don't seem too concerned so I'm not too concerned. This spring is so long, so we're in no rush. Nobody is pressing the panic button because we have, what, 14 weeks of spring training?"

The long spring Smith joked about, happening because of the WBC, gives the Giants some extra coverage. Smith said he won't need more than the six scheduled outings, noting he's a guy who usually gets ready in a hurry.

Any setbacks would strike a big blow to the bullpen. Smith, 27, is supposed to be a key part of the revamped group. The Giants acquired him at the deadline last season hoping he turns into the next Jeremy Affeldt, a lefty capable of facing left- and right-handed hitters. After a slow start in San Francisco last August, Smith ended the regular season with 18 consecutive scoreless appearances. The Giants entered camp with Smith set to share the eighth-inning role with right-handers Derek Law and Hunter Strickland.