Brandon Belt runs the bases and takes batting practice before #SFGiants vs. Pirates. Belt will start his rehab tomorrow for the Triple-A Sacramento Rivercats. pic.twitter.com/Y14No6ohGv
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 11, 2018
© Sergio Estrada | USA Today
Brandon Belt is back. Well, almost. He’s running bases and taking batting practice. And tomorrow, manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that he’ll play in his first rehab start since suffering a bone bruise in his right knee and moving to the 10-day disabled list on July 26. He’ll play with the Triple-A Sacramento Rivercats tomorrow night.
“He’s ready to go to work,” Bochy said. “It’s good news, he needs some at-bats. And so he’ll get some swings down there and if all goes well, he’ll meet us in LA.”
Bochy gave a tentative timeline for Belt’s return.
“I’d say two-three games, knock on wood,” Bochy said. “We don’t have to rush him up here like we’ve had to do with a couple players, but that’s about where I would put him.”
In other news, the Giants called up ex-Atlanta Braves pitcher Casey Kelly from the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. With Kelly’s addition to the roster, Johnny Cueto, who received Tommy John surgery, headed to the 60-day disabled list. Bochy said he was unsure who the starter would be for Saturday’s game.
“Starter is still TBD,” Bochy said. “I’ll let you know after the game. Good chance it’s Blach, but I’ll let you know after the game, depending on how we use the bullpen tonight.”
Derek Law was also optioned to Triple-A following last night’s performance, in which he allowed three earned runs over 1 1/3 innings.
