No discomfort for Cain after bullpen session

SAN DIEGO -- Matt Cain, the Giants' struggling Opening Day starter, threw a bullpen session Saturday without apparent complications or physical discomfort. This development had more importance than usual.

Cain worked a total of three innings and allowed 11 runs in his last two starts. So, his ability to throw uneventfully, but crisply off a bullpen mound, encouraged manager Bruce Bochy.

"It gives you a sense of comfort with the fact that he felt really good," said Bochy, explaining that with the four-day All-Star break looming, Cain needed to throw off a mound to stay sharp.