Affeldt's return to force tough roster move

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants face a challenging roster decision, perhaps as early as Tuesday, when they activate left-hander Jeremy Affeldt from the disabled list.

Affeldt's injury rehabilitation performance for Class A Advanced San Jose on Saturday indicated that his sprained right knee has healed. The reliever threw two scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out one.

The corresponding roster move the Giants must make when Affeldt returns will require intense thought. Each of the relievers considered most vulnerable to a demotion -- right-handers Juan Gutierrez and Jean Machi and left-hander David Huff -- have no Minor League options remaining. They'd have to clear waivers before the Giants could send them to Triple-A Fresno.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged Sunday that employing a 13-man pitching staff and dropping a position player could be a possibility after Monday's scheduled off-day. Averaging slightly fewer than six innings per game from their starters, the Giants might welcome adding another reliever.

In that event, reserve outfielder Juan Perez could be susceptible to a demotion, since he has Minor League options left. But Bochy sternly cautioned against assuming that this is a likelihood.

"I don't want y'all to come to any conclusions," he said.