DENVER -- Getting a jump on their upcoming roster obligations, the Giants optioned right-hander Pierce Johnson to Triple-A Sacramento and recalled utility man Kelby Tomlinson from the same affiliate on Wednesday.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy explained the timing of the moves by pointing out that Johnson would have been demoted on Thursday, in conjunction with right-hander Johnny Cueto's impending activation from the disabled list.
Johnson was temporarily unavailable to pitch due to extensive use. He worked 2 1/3 innings on Sunday at Arizona and 1 1/3 frames on Tuesday against Colorado.