CHICAGO -- Rarely does a rookie earn a selection over a 101-game winner and three-time All-Star to pitch critical games during the regular season's final weeks. But that's what the Giants have done, as manager Bruce Bochy announced Thursday that Albert Suárez, not Matt Cain, will start Friday against the Chicago Cubs.
Moreover, Bochy stated that Suarez will maintain this role until further notice.
"For now, he's the guy we want to make the fifth starter," Bochy said.
Bochy indicated that the Giants liked what they saw of Suarez against Atlanta last Saturday. The right-hander surrendered three runs and five hits through 4 1/3 innings in his first Major League start since July 3 as San Francisco lost, 3-1.
Suarez has compiled a 3-2 record with a 4.35 ERA in 17 games (including seven starts). By comparison, Cain, who has recovered from a strained lower back and will be reinstated from the disabled list Friday, is 4-8 with a 5.81 ERA.
Bochy acknowledged that Cain, the former staff ace, looked "really good at times" but has struggled to repeat his delivery, which is a must for any pitcher. Bochy added that Cain, who he said accepted the decision calmly, could be used as a long reliever or for a complete inning.
• Among the four players from Triple-A Sacramento whom the Giants recalled Friday, left-hander Ty Blach is the only one who will make his Major League debut when Bochy installs him in a game.
Blach, 25, sounded properly thrilled "to have the opportunity to live a lifelong dream and help win some games." Blach, rated 23rd among San Francisco's Minor League prospects by MLBPipeline.com, finished 14-7 with a 3.43 ERA this year for Sacramento, including 8-2, 2.01 in his last 11 starts.
Blach attributed his success to increased consistency.
"My breaking ball's gotten a lot better this year, and [I'm] continuing to refine my fastball and changeup."
With Blach assigned to the bullpen, the Giants' active roster currently includes six left-handed relievers: Blach, Javier López, Steven Okert, Josh Osich, Matt Reynolds and Will Smith.
• Aramis Garcia, the Giants' leading catching prospect, was among four position players named from the organization to participate for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.
Garcia, ranked sixth by MLBPipeline.com, hit .265 in 38 games for Class A Advanced San Jose this season. His activity was limited after he sustained fractured bones in his face when he attempted to break up a double play in a May game.
Others sent to the AFL were outfielder Hunter Cole (.272, 13 homers and 59 RBIs in 121 games with Double-A Richmond through Wednesday), the organization's No. 21 prospect; infielder Ryder Jones (.243, 13 homers, 58 RBIs in 122 games for Richmond); and catcher Eliezer Zambrano (.185 in 33 games).
Pitchers will be chosen at a later date.