SAN FRANCISCO — The outlook is good, bad and worse for three veteran pitchers hoping to crack the Giants’ red-hot starting rotation.
Veteran right-hander Matt Cain produced the positive news, throwing a pain-free, 30-pitch batting practice session before Saturday’s 8-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Rehabbing from a strained flexor tendon in his right arm, Cain pronounced himself ready for the next step in his comeback. That is expected to be a trip to the Giants’ spring training home in Scottsdale, Ariz., sometime this week, with an injury-rehab start likely in his future by mid-June.
Veteran righty Jake Peavy appeared to be two steps ahead of Cain before experiencing stiffness in his troublesome back following his second injury-rehab start in the minors Wednesday night.
Peavy has been told to take some time off, after which he likely will land back in Scottsdale for further evaluation before his next start.
Lastly, the end of the Giants’ road appears imminent for veteran right-hander Kevin Correia, who joined Triple-A Sacramento earlier this month when the San Francisco starting staff was in a bit of a shambles.
The 34-year-old hasn’t pitched poorly — a 3.58 ERA in 37 2/3 innings — but it appears that will be irrelevant. The Giants’ rotation has solidified since Correia joined the organization, and the former Giant clearly has noticed.
He is expected to exercise an opt-out in his Giants contract on Monday and search for a better opportunity elsewhere.