Cain hoping to make next start despite injury

DENVER -- The Giants received encouraging news about the strained right hamstring sustained by Matt Cain, who will try to make his next scheduled start.

Cain, the Giants' No. 2 starter, underwent an MRI on Thursday that revealed a Grade 1 (mild) strain. Manager Bruce Bochy said that Cain's condition will be re-evaluated in the next few days, leading to a decision regarding the right-hander's playing status. Cain, who went on the DL earlier this season with a cut on his right index finger, is in line to take his next turn Monday against the Chicago Cubs at AT&T Park.

Cain, who hurt himself while throwing a called third strike past Charlie Blackmon to end the third inning in San Francisco's 5-1 victory Wednesday night over Colorado, appeared to walk smoothly Thursday. But, as Cain said, "Just walking around's a whole lot different from playing a game."

If Cain can't pitch Monday, the Giants then would decide whether to return him to the DL or make another attempt to slide him back into the rotation.

Yusmeiro Petit, who followed Cain's three shutout innings Wednesday by blanking Colorado for three more innings, probably would pitch Monday if the Giants need a replacement starter.