WASHINGTON -- The Giants could face a difficult roster decision sometime next week if right-hander Cory Gearrin proves he's ready to return to the Giants' bullpen.
Gearrin, 30, last pitched for San Francisco on July 5, when he surrendered four runs in two-thirds of an inning against Colorado. He went on the disabled list the next day with a strained right shoulder.
Gearrin's performances on his injury rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Sacramento indicate his activation could be imminent. Friday, he struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning for Sacramento, which defeated Albuquerque, 12-3.
Overall, Gearrin has pitched three scoreless innings in as many appearances with one hit allowed and four strikeouts. He was 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA in 41 appearances before he was sidelined.
• Barring rainouts or rotation changes, ex-Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong will face his former teammates Aug. 15 when Pittsburgh visits San Francisco.
Vogelsong, who spent the previous five seasons with the Giants, left the 60-day disabled list to start for the Pirates in Atlanta on Thursday. He had been sidelined since May 23, when he was hit in the face by a fastball and sustained multiple facial fractures.
Vogelsong excelled in his return, allowing one run on three hits and striking out six in six innings.