Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt is inching closer to returning to the 25-man roster after a successful extended spring game Wednesday morning. Even though relief pitchers Jean Machi and Sandy Rosario have done a terrific job in place of Affeldt, San Francisco is still excited to get the veteran back.
The 33-year-old was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique strain. After tossing 25 pitches in an appearance on Wednesday without any issues, it appears Affeldt is ready to make his return complete. He gave up only two singles when he faced seven batters.
“Overall, it was good,” Affeldt said, according to SFGiants.com. “I could have been a little more aggressive. But sometimes in those situations it’s tough to feel the same aggression that you do [in a game].”
The Giants will only activate Affeldt if they know for sure that he is healthy enough to return. The team will not be confident in his ability until he feels fine Thursday morning, one day after pitching.
It appears Rosario will be the one that is sent down to Triple-A to make room on the active roster for Affeldt. The 27-year-old appeared in only 1/3 of an inning since his call up. However, he did take the win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 30.
Meanwhile, Machi has been outstanding in five appearances out of the bullpen this season. The 31-year-old is 1-0 and has allowed only three hits in 7 2/3 scoreless innings. He has also struck out seven batters and walked only one. There is no question the Minor League veteran is the real deal and someone the Giants must hang on to for now.
