Casilla thrilled with brother's return to action

SAN FRANCISCO -- Santiago Casilla was all smiles Sunday morning, and not just because his ailing right knee was improving.

Casilla's brother, Jose, earned the decision Saturday night for the Giants' Class A San Jose affiliate in its 5-2 victory over High Desert. Recovered from Tommy John elbow surgery, the younger Casilla, 23, pitched two hitless innings and struck out two.

"He's happy," said Santiago Casilla, who spoke with his brother by telephone after the game. "He said he was throwing 93, 94 [mph]."

Casilla related that his brother expected to sustain that kind of velocity, having worked his way back gradually.

"The only surprise for him was pitching two innings," Casilla said.

As for his own health status, Casilla said that he should be able to resume pitching during the Giants' upcoming series at Toronto starting Tuesday. A cyst in his right knee has sidelined him for four games.