SAN DIEGO -- Giants right-hander Mark Melancon received a regenerative stem-cell injection to treat the pronator in his uncomfortable right forearm, manager Bruce Bochy said Thursday.
Melancon traveled to Pensacola, Fla., to undergo the procedure, which was performed by Dr. Joshua Hackel, who is based at the clinic operated by noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.
"I think it's good news that we don't have to do more than that," Bochy said.
Melancon, 33, went on the disabled list with an elbow flexor strain on March 28, one day before the regular-season opener at Los Angeles. Used gingerly during the Cactus League season, Melancon threw effectively for most of the spring, but he continued to say that he "felt something" in his forearrm, which required surgery last Sept. 12 to relieve the sensation of compression.
Melancon went on the DL twice last season. He was 11-for-16 in save opportunities and posted a 4.50 ERA in 32 games in his first season with the Giants, after he signed a four-year, $62 million contract.
Pitching updates
• Right-hander Johnny Cueto (sprained left ankle) felt uncertain about starting Tuesday at Arizona, though he said through an interpreter that he feels "better and stronger" each day.
The Giants should determine whether Cueto is ready to pitch after Saturday, when he'll throw a simulated game at Petco Park.
• Right-hander Jeff Samardzija (strained right pectoral muscle) is expected to throw approximately 60 pitches in what could be his final rehab start Saturday for Class A Advanced San Jose.
• Right-hander Derek Law is back in the bullpen, as he was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, while left-hander Andrew Suarez was optioned back to Triple-A after he was recalled and made his Major League debut on Wednesday.