SAN FRANCISCO -- Johnny Cueto's second chance at a Minor League rehab assignment begins Monday at Triple-A Sacramento, where he will throw 50 to 60 pitches.
The Giants expect Cueto, a two-time All-Star, to make two rehab starts before feeling ready to rejoin the rotation.
"My guess is that if all goes well, he'll be good to go then," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday.
After Monday, Cueto could make his second start Aug. 26 at Class A Advanced San Jose with Sacramento on the road. Based on timing, Cueto could be atop a Major League mound as soon as the Giants' Aug. 31-Sept. 3 series against the Cardinals, nearly 1 1/2 months removed from his last MLB start.
Bochy reaffirmed Cueto's blister-related pain has disappeared; it's simply a matter of building arm strength now. Cueto sustained a mild flexor strain earlier this month.
• Bochy said Joe Panik, on the seven-day concussion disabled list, "actually felt pretty good [Friday]." He has joined teammate Brandon Belt (concussion) in cardio activities.
"He's doing quite well," Bochy said of Panik. "Knock on wood, if that continues, we'll get him back as soon as possible."
• Giants prospect Mac Williamson, playing for Sacramento, had a breakout game Friday, going 4-for-4 with two RBIs while reaching base in all five of his plate appearances. He's batting .368 over his last 10 games with three home runs.
It's an impressive tear, but Bochy isn't ready to predict which prospects may get the call in September. By then, the Giants should have Austin Slater (right groin strain) back from the disabled list.
"[Williamson] got four hits yesterday but it hasn't been smooth sailing for a lot of those guys down there, including Mac," Bochy said. "But it was nice to see him have a nice day yesterday."
• The Giants plan to give a few of their everyday players a break from the starting lineup Sunday. Including Saturday, Bochy has used the same lineup in three consecutive days. He joked it might be a season record.