Casilla ahead of schedule in recovery

SAN FRANCISCO -- It was first thought that Santiago Casilla's strained right hamstring would cause him to miss four to six weeks. Less than a week after Casilla sustained the injury running to first base in the ninth inning against the Rockies, it appears his return may come sooner, rather than later.

According to manager Bruce Bochy, Casilla "should be on the shorter end of that, the way he's moving around."

Casilla played catch Monday. Bochy said it's possible Casilla returns early, but cautioned against rushing his best setup reliever back too quickly.

"It's a credit to the type of shape he's in; he's bull strong," Bochy said. "He's really religious with his rehab and he's excited about how he feels."

Casilla has a 1.37 ERA in 22 appearances this season.