Pain-free Affeldt providing solid relief for Giants

SAN FRANCISCO -- It's safe to say that Jeremy Affeldt has made an accelerated comeback from the disabled list.

Entering Sunday's Interleague series finale against the Cleveland Indians, Affeldt was unscored upon in five outings, having allowed just two hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Manager Bruce Bochy's use of Affeldt against right-handed batters reflects the hurler's effectiveness. Defying the percentages, Affeldt has limited righties to a .077 batting average (1-for-13).

"That's why we re-signed him," Bochy said of Affeldt, who received a three-year, $18 million contract extension before the 2013 season.

"He's throwing all his pitches for strikes," catcher Buster Posey said. "When he's on, he has swing-and-miss stuff. And he can get some quick outs."

Affeldt's success can largely be attributed to his improved health. He has weathered the lingering effects of the groin injury that limited him to 39 appearances last year, as well as recovering from the sprained right knee that sidelined him at the start of this season.

"I don't really get complacent, but right now I'm not pitching with pain," said Affeldt, who still wears his knee brace as a precautionary measure. "I don't have that leg injury, so I can kind of relax and not be too tight before I make a pitch. Last year I was so tight before every pitch, because I knew at some point in time it was going to hurt."