SAN FRANCISCO -- Continuing to need pitching depth, the Giants recalled right-hander Chris Stratton from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday and optioned utility man Orlando Calixte to the same club.
San Francisco's bullpen was virtually depleted in the team's previous series against San Diego. Relievers pitched 12 2/3 innings Friday and Saturday. Ty Blach gave the bullpen an adequate break Sunday by lasting seven innings. However, manager Bruce Bochy was forced to pinch-hit for Player Page for Matt Cain after four innings Monday in an attempt to seize upon a scoring opportunity.
Stratton's experience as a starter enables him to give the Giants multiple innings, which he did Tuesday, allowing two runs in four innings to earn his first career save in an 11-3 victory over the Pirates. This is his third recall of the season. San Francisco's first-round selection in the 2012 Draft, Stratton is 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in four appearances (one start) for the Giants.
Calixte was in his second stint with the Giants. He has compiled a .172 batting average (5-for-29) with four RBIs in 10 games with San Francisco.