SAN FRANCISCO -- Suddenly, Cory Gearrin's recent slump made sense: The Giants announced that he developed a strained right shoulder, which landed him on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday.
Right-hander Albert Suarez, who was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, was recalled to replace Gearrin. Manager Bruce Bochy said that Suarez, who started six games as a replacement for Matt Cain in San Francisco's starting rotation, will join the bullpen this time.
Bochy said that Gearrin reported feeling discomfort in his shoulder after his performance Tuesday, when he yielded four runs in two-thirds of an inning and absorbed the decision in the Giants' 7-3 loss to Colorado.
Gearrin allowed nine runs (eight earned) in his last five outings, which spanned 3 2/3 innings. His ERA ballooned from 2.16 to 3.89.
Bochy expressed confidence that two weeks of rest and rehabilitation would help Gearrin, who underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in 2014. Gearrin was tied for fourth in the National League with 41 appearances entering Wednesday.
Span eyes return
An upbeat Denard Span said that he should be able to resume playing Friday against the D-backs, which would end a week-long absence with a stiff neck.
Span reportedly was close to going on the 15-day disabled list, but the Giants' primary center fielder and leadoff batter said that steady treatment helped accelerate his recovery.
Span, who's batting .253 in 76 games, said that relaxing the muscles around his neck prompted his improved condition. He noted that receiving a "trigger-point injection" was among the recovery methods that helped him most.

Worth noting
• Cain will continue his Minor League injury rehabilitation stint on Friday with an expected 65-pitch effort for Triple-A Sacramento against Tacoma. Bochy indicated that Cain would start at least one more game after that before the Giants reinstate him from the disabled list.