SF Giants’ Verlander inches closer to returning, Adames set for day off

SAN FRANCISCO Justin Verlander took another step in his return from a right pectoral soreness on Friday throwing a live bullpen in the range of - pitches prior to the Giants night battle against the Atlanta Braves Per manager Bob Melvin the Giants will see how Verlander feels the following day and determine the next attempts from there Melvin mentioned Verlander who has a ERA with strikeouts over starts would have to feel really good the subsequent day to start the next time his turn in the rotation comes up which could be on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies in Denver Verlander was placed on the -day injured list on May retroactive to May Kyle Harrison who is now replacing Verlander in the rotation is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday after being diagnosed with a left elbow contusion due to being struck by a ground ball in his last start Harrison recounted reporters that he feels good after receiving remedy As things stand Harrison is lined up to start on Tuesday when the Giants begin their three-game set against the Colorado Rockies in Denver Harrison has made three starts since Verlander hit the injured list posting fine outings against the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins before allowing five runs to the San Diego Padres From there Harrison stands to return to the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever assuming Verlander is set to return from the injured list Despite ranking second last year on the Giants in starts and innings the -year-old Harrison stands to spend a good chunk of this season in the bullpen Harrison had never pitched as a reliever in the majors prior to this season allowing two earned runs over innings in four appearances The club still views Harrison as a starter long-term and Melvin announced things will be fluid with Harrison acknowledging the difficulty of balancing Harrison s rise and the necessities of the club One thing I do know is you re not going to have five or six starters over the subject of the season Melvin explained When Verlander s back in that obviously could potentially be the move There s still selected room for a length lefty but that s something we re going to have to be cognizant of over the discipline of the season make sure he gets specific innings in to be prepared to do what we expect him to do for a long time Adames scheduled for off day Shortstop Willy Adames who has played in all of the Giants games this season entering Friday will receive a scheduled off day on Sunday afternoon per Melvin With the Giants off on Monday Adames will receive back-to-back rest days Melvin did not formally announce who will start in Adames place on Sunday but added that infielder Casey Schmitt is presently the Giants backup shortstop This season Schmitt has spent time at first second and third base Schmitt is the backup shortstop don t tell him Melvin laughed He ll be back a few ground balls the next couple days at short Related Articles Photographer s Notebook The Final Frame Why A s arrangement will delay Bryce Eldridge s Sacramento debut Kurtenbach Buster Posey successfully navigated SF Giants through his first real dilemma in the bulk ironic way Robbie Ray builds on strong May leads SF Giants to series split vs Padres SF Giants respond to roster shakeup with comeback win over Padres Adames has been one of baseball s the bulk durable players over the last half-decade averaging games from - but he stands to benefit from a mental reprieve given his offensive struggles The -year-old enters Friday with a batting average with five home runs and a OPS after signing a seven-year million contract this offseason the largest deal in franchise history Along with the cold bat Adames has rated out as a below-average defender as well - defensive runs saved Last week president of baseball operations Buster Posey preached patience when discussing Adames lack of productivity on KNBR s Murph and Markus It s all about them kind of finding their groove and it s our job to be client Burrell notified this news organization last month Keep working keep believing and letting these guys find their way Willy is super talented He s got a track record that shows it He ll be fine