Petit to start Giants' Cactus League opener

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Since the spring schedule has forced the Giants to wait a couple of days before launching their exhibition rotation in earnest, Yusmeiro Petit will start Wednesday's Cactus League opener against the Oakland A's.

Thursday is a scheduled off-day for the Giants. Rather than treat it as an interruption, the Giants will begin using their projected starting pitchers in sequence Friday, when they play split-squad exhibitions against Oakland and Milwaukee.

Petit finished last season impressively as a starter, posting a 4-1 record from Aug. 27 on. But he's apparently competing with left-hander David Huff for a long reliever's role.

Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo are among the relievers expected to follow Petit.

Right-hander Kyle Crick, the Giants' top prospect, topped the list of pitchers named to participate in Tuesday's intrasquad game. Others expected to perform are right-handers Clayton Blackburn, Derek Law, Jose Casilla and Brett Bochy, along with left-hander Ty Blach.