PITTSBURGH -- It appears that the Giants' efforts to sign first-round picks Madison Bumgarner and Wendell Fairley could last until Wednesday's 9 p.m. PT deadline.

After that deadline, the Giants would lose negotiating rights to Bumgarner and Fairley, who were part of their haul of six choices among the top 51 selections in June's First-Year Player Draft. The club would receive compensation picks in next year's Draft, but they'd obviously prefer to sign Bumgarner, a precocious left-hander who was taken 10th overall, and Fairley, a fleet outfielder who was the 29th pick. San Francisco already has signed its other first-rounder, right-hander Tim Alderson, who was drafted 22nd.

Industry insiders predict that there will be a flood of signings Tuesday and most of Wednesday as teams and prospects scramble to beat the deadline. Bumgarner, however, is said to be looking for a bonus approximating the $2.3 million received last year by Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, the No. 7 overall pick last year. That would exceed the two largest bonuses the Giants have paid: the $2.1 million received by third baseman Angel Villalona last August and the $2.025 million Tim Lincecum collected after being selected 10th overall last year. Bumgarner's agent, Mike Milchin, couldn't be reached for comment.

Although Fairley has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Southern Mississippi, sources said that he's expected to be easier to sign than Bumgarner.

Bonds out, then in: Barry Bonds wasn't originally in the starting lineup for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but manager Bruce Bochy inserted the left fielder into his usual cleanup spot about an hour before game time.

This happened for two reasons.

"I feel good," Bonds said before the game. "I should probably play in the first game to get a longer rest between today and tomorrow."

The Giants were due to fly to Atlanta after the doubleheader to begin a three-game series Tuesday night.

Moreover, Bonds' presence gave Dave Roberts a chance to rest the right knee he bruised last Thursday against Washington. Roberts would have started in center field and batted second -- which would have marked the first time he hit anywhere but leadoff all season.

Crash course: Daniel Ortmeier, who started his second Major League game at first base in Monday's opener, admitted that he must remain much more alert at his new spot.

"I think it's getting used to the overall speed of the game," said Ortmeier, articulating the biggest difference he sees between the outfield and infield, which he recently began playing before being recalled from Triple-A Fresno last Friday. "There's a lot more to it than you think. You're a lot more into the game, which is what I like. I'll give it what I've got."

Ortmeier also has found that physical adjustments are required, due to the shorter throws he must make.

"The first couple of days when I switched [with Fresno], my arm got a little sore," he said.

Ortmeier has been receiving frequent tutelage from bench coach Ron Wotus, who supervises the infielders. During Sunday's game, his initial start at first base, Ortmeier also received pointers from second baseman Kevin Frandsen.

Aurilia update: Infielder Rich Aurilia believes he'll be ready to return from his right hamstring injury Friday, the first day he's eligible to leave the 15-day disabled list. Aurilia has been running for several days and reported no soreness from the activity.

Coming up: The Giants open a three-game series Tuesday at Atlanta, where the formidable John Smoltz awaits them. Smoltz allowed two runs (one earned) in seven innings in a 4-2 victory over the Giants on July 23 at AT&T Park. San Francisco's starter remains undecided.