The Giants claimed Cody Ross in part to block him from going to the first-place Padres, but the outfielder has no gripes.

"I couldn't come here fast enough," he said after arriving in the Giants' clubhouse an hour before Monday night's game.

Ross singled in his only at-bat and scored.

The Marlins put Ross on waivers and didn't pull him back after the Giants claimed him, so he's wearing orange and black and due $1.1 million. To create roster space, reliever Guillermo Mota was put on the disabled list with iliotibial (IT) band syndrome in his left leg.

The Giants now have an extra outfielder and one fewer reliever, six of each. With eight days until they can add September call-ups, the Giants are hoping it won't be an issue. Manager Bruce Bochy plans to "mix and match" with Ross.

"I knew the situation and how many outfielders are here," Ross said. "That's something I can't control. I'm not going to try to play manager or GM. When they tell me what to do, I'll do it - be a good teammate and try to be a good leader."

Assistant general manager Bobby Evans confirmed the Giants claimed Ross in part so the Padres couldn't get him, also realizing Ross could become a Giant. Evans said he was surprised the Marlins let him go.

"You look at two things," Evans said. "Is he a fit for you? And can you block him from going somewhere else? He can fit both criteria. You never claim someone unless you have interest yourself. He had back-to-back 20-plus (homers) years. He was a popular player in Florida. He's an excellent defender and hits well against left-handed pitchers."

Mota had a 15.63 ERA in his last six outings, and said the tight IT band, extending from his hip to below his knee, affected his extension in his delivery and, thus, his control.

"We're in a pennant race, so I don't want to keep pitching like that," Mota said. "I'll come back in September and feel better and try to do better."

To make room on the 40-man roster for Ross, infielder Matt Downs was designated for assignment.