SAN FRANCISCO -- Right-hander Matt Cain, who hasn't pitched for the Giants since June 13, could be ready to make an injury rehabilitation appearance by late next week, manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday.
The Giants are hoping Cain, 31, is in the closing stages of recovering from a strained right hamstring. He initially sustained the injury while pitching May 27 at Colorado. After a stint on the disabled list, Cain aggravated the injury June 13 against Milwaukee.
The Giants settled on Cain's path toward a possible return to the rotation after he threw 36 pitches off a bullpen mound Sunday. Bochy said Cain likely will throw a light bullpen session Tuesday before starting Friday, as tentatively scheduled.
Cain, who began the season as the Giants' No. 5 starter, appeared to be on the ascent when he was sidelined. He recorded a 1.59 ERA in four starts (four earned runs in 22 2/3 innings) before he injured himself against Milwaukee. He began this season with an 0-4 record and a 7.84 ERA in his first six starts.