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Cain throws, likely will start on Monday

ATLANTA -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Friday that he and the club's medical officials feel "optimistic" about Matt Cain making his next start Monday at Pittsburgh.

Cain accidentally cut the tip of his right index finger while attempting to pick up a knife and was scratched from his start last Tuesday against San Diego.

On Friday, Cain tested his arm -- and his finger, on which he wore a small protective device -- and felt fit after throwing.

Left-hander David Huff, who's recovering from a strained left quadriceps, also threw in the bullpen on Friday, simulating a 50-pitch effort. Huff said that he'll try to increase his workload to 65 pitches on Sunday. After that, the Giants' braintrust must decide when to send Huff on a Minor League injury rehabilitation assignment.

Huff's reinstatement from the disabled list will again force the Giants to decide whether they want to employ a 13-man pitching staff and try to survive with a bare minimum of four reserve position players. They opted for the extra pitcher and sent outfielder Juan Perez to Triple-A Fresno when Huff left the disabled list in mid-April.

"We have a little time to come up with that solution," Bochy said.

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Haft-Baked Ideas, and follow him on Twitter at @sfgiantsbeat.
Read More: San Francisco Giants, David Huff, Matt Cain