Giants being cautious about Cain's next start

ST. LOUIS -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy remained uncertain Thursday about right-hander Matt Cain's availability for Saturday's start against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cain strained his right hamstring May 22 at Colorado and has not pitched since. Thursday, he played catch with left-hander Madison Bumgarner as head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner watched closely.

Bochy said that he and the team's medical staff want to see how Cain feels Friday before determining whether he'll pitch the next day. Hamstring injuries can linger stubbornly, accounting for the Giants' cautious approach with Cain.

San Francisco's No. 2 starter, Cain is 1-3 with a 3.66 ERA in eight starts. He went on the disabled list last month with a cut on his right index finger, which forced him to miss two starts.

Yusmeiro Petit likely would start Saturday if Cain isn't physically ready.