Casilla heads out for first rehab appearance

DENVER -- Santiago Casilla packed his bags in the Giants clubhouse before a game against the Rockies on Saturday as he prepared for his first rehab outing Sunday, where he will start the game and pitch one inning.

Casilla's start with Class A San Jose comes against the Stockton Ports at home, and he will toss about 20 pitches. He's expected to make several rehab appearances before he rejoins the Giants, and Casilla said the exact number will be based on how he feels after each appearance.

Casilla has been out since May 20 after having surgery to remove a cyst from his right knee. But a bullpen session against live batters at Coors Field on Friday went smoothly, and Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he could be back in a Giants uniform in the next week.

"We'll evaluate him after each inning, see where he's at, how he feels," Bochy said. "He could be ready as soon as the next homestand if all goes well."

The right-handed reliever served as a reliable bullpen arm before the injury with a 1.89 ERA in 21 appearances (19 innings).