Casilla progressing well, could return soon

SAN FRANCISCO -- Reliever Santiago Casilla, who has missed a month after a cyst was removed from his right knee, is progressing quicker than the Giants had expected and could be available by the end of the team's next road trip.

The setup man, who recorded a 1.89 ERA in 21 games prior to the surgery, will throw a bullpen session Saturday and could throw to hitters Monday in Los Angeles.

If all goes well, Casilla could begin a rehab assignment next week and rejoin the team after two or three appearances, manager Bruce Bochy said.

Bochy said Casilla's return could be "pretty close" to the end of the next road trip, which concludes in Cincinnati on July 4, 10 days before the All-Star break.