Giants bring back Machi to bolster bullpen

SAN DIEGO -- Needing bullpen depth in the wake of George Kontos' suspension, the Giants recalled right-hander Jean Machi from Triple-A Fresno on Thursday.

Technically, Machi replaced left-hander Mike Kickham on the active roster. The Giants needed to make sure their bullpen was adequately stocked, due to Kontos' unavailability. Kontos began serving his three-game suspension, which he received for hitting Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen with a pitch on June 11. As a result, the Giants must function with a 24-man roster until Sunday.

Machi, who began his third stint with the Giants, entered Thursday with a 2-0 record and a 3.86 ERA in 25 appearances in the Majors. He was 2-1 with a 0.60 ERA in 12 outings with Fresno.

Coincidentally, Petco Park was the scene of Machi's finest big league performance. He threw three shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out three, on April 27.