SAN FRANCISCO -- Matt Cain is nearing his return to the Giants' rotation. The 12-year veteran pitched 5 2/3 innings (72 pitches) and surrendered one hit in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that Cain will make another rehab appearance with Class A Advanced San Jose next Friday, before rejoining the team in Boston for its two-game series against the Red Sox starting July 19. Bochy did not specify when Cain would make his first start, but appeared encouraged by the right-hander's progress.
"All goes well, he should be ready to go in Boston," Bochy said.
Cain is 1-5 with a 5.34 ERA in 11 games started this season. He hasn't pitched since June 13 at Milwaukee after going on the 15-day disabled list due to a right hamstring strain. It was the second time he was placed on the DL by the Giants this season.
Despite his high ERA and vulnerable health this year, Cain figures to be a valuable piece of the Giants' rotation after the All-Star break.
Bochy said Madison Bumgarner would make the first start after the break at San Diego next Friday. He said the scheduled rotation could be altered after the All-Star Game depending on how much Johnny Cueto is used in the event. However, he'd like for the Bumgarner-Cueto combination to continue to pitch back-to-back in the rotation.
• Bochy said Matt Duffy is feeling more soreness in his left Achilles and is questionable to return for the eight-game road trip to open the second half of the season.

In addition, no timetable exists for the return of Hunter Pence or Joe Panik to the roster. Bochy said he'd know more about Pence and Panik's rehab assignments by Sunday.
• The Junior Giants Stretch Drive concludes Sunday. Volunteers will accept donations outside of Willie Mays Gate at AT&T Park and at the Community Clubhouse on the ballpark's promenade level. Online contributions also can be made at JRGiants.org. The Stretch Drive was created in honor of Hall of Fame first baseman Willie "Stretch" McCovey to help the Giants Community Fund raise money to support the Junior Giants program.