CINCINNATI–For the second straight game, the Giants exhausted their bullpen as manager Bruce Bochy used five pitchers in relief of spot starter Casey Kelly in Friday’s 11-inning loss.
Many of those relievers could use a breather Saturday, and there are two reasons they should have a chance to receive one against the Reds. The Giants will send ace Madison Bumgarner to the mound against Cincinnati, but they’ll also welcome back right-hander Hunter Strickland (fractured hand) from the 60-day disabled list.
Strickland began the season as the Giants closer, but he’s returning as a set-up man after missing more than two months with a self-inflicted injury.