Affeldt to get back-to-back rehab outings

SAN FRANCISCO -- Jeremy Affeldt will continue and could conclude his recovery from a sprained right knee with a pair of injury rehabilitation outings Thursday and Friday for Class A Advanced San Jose against Bakersfield, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

The Giants want to make sure that Affeldt can physically handle pitching on back-to-back days before they activate him from the disabled list. Bochy added that Affeldt might pitch more than one inning in one of those outings, another prerequisite for a reliever in his role.

Affeldt understands why the Giants want to make sure he's completely healthy before he rejoins them. Trying to pitch through pain and various ailments last year, the left-hander made only 39 appearances last season.

"If you ask me, I want to compete, so I'm fine," Affeldt said. "But from their perspective, especially after last year, I can see why they're a little more cautious. ... I'm on their terms. No room to complain. When they're ready to have me back, I'm sure they'll have me back."

The Giants also need to buy as much time as possible to decide who to send to the Minor Leagues when Affeldt's activated. The three relievers who appear most vulnerable to being demoted or waived -- Jean Machi (2-0, 0.00 ERA), David Huff (.231 opponents' batting average) and Juan Gutierrez (five strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings) have performed capably.