Cain plans to return next Saturday

PHOENIX -- Giants right-hander Matt Cain said Friday that he expects to pitch as soon as he's eligible for activation from the 15-day disabled list, which will be next Saturday, Sept. 7, at AT&T Park against Arizona.

"That's the plan," Cain said.

Cain sustained a bruise on his throwing arm when he was struck by a line drive hit by Pittsburgh's Gaby Sanchez on Aug. 22, forcing him onto the DL for the first time in his eight-year career.

Cain expects to test his arm Saturday by throwing off a bullpen mound for the first time since being injured. He has spent the week at the Giants' training complex in nearby Scottsdale, Ariz., undergoing treatment and throwing on flat ground at distances up to 100 feet.