Vogelsong to test hand against live hitters in BP

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants have a flexible pitching schedule in mind for right-hander Ryan Vogelsong that would enable him to rejoin the starting rotation by mid-August.

Vogelsong, who's recovering from a fractured pinkie on his throwing hand, will throw to hitters in "live" batting practice Saturday for the first time since incurring the injury May 20.

"That's a pretty good sign that you're on your way," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Friday.

Assuming that Vogelsong's BP session proceeds smoothly, he might start in an injury-rehabilitation outing with Triple-A Fresno or Class A San Jose sometime next week.

Then, after accompanying the Giants to the White House for the World Series champions' ceremonial meeting with President Obama on July 29, Vogelsong is expected to report to the Giants' Double-A Richmond affiliate to start at least once and probably twice.

Vogelsong threw two bullpen sessions off of a mound at the Giants' training complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., during the All-Star break, which fueled his confidence for Saturday's drill. "I'm assuming that everything is going to go well," he said, calling the experience of facing hitters a "good test."

Bochy said that Vogelsong must rebuild his arm strength enough to enable him to throw 80 pitches before the Giants will consider starting him in a Major League game.