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SAN FRANCISCO -- Assuming Barry Zito can perform fielding drills Sunday to the Giants' content, the left-hander likely will be activated from the disabled list after being sidelined since Aug. 1 with a sprained right foot.And though Zito is unlikely to start, he might receive more opportunities to pitch than one might assume.Giants manager Bruce Bochy indicated Saturday that he'll ease up slightl football online y on his use of the starting pitchers during the season's final weeks. For example, scenes such as Friday's, when Bochy encouraged Tim Lincecum to finish the eighth inning as his pitch count exceeded 120, likely won't be repeated."We probably won't push them quite as hard," Bochy said, citing the additional relievers the Giants have had available since roster limits expanded Sept. 1.Zito, 33, has football online started in all but two of his 364 career appearances. Posey thrilled about playing catch SAN FRANCISCO -- Buster Posey continued to inch forward in recovering from his injured left leg with a simple yet satisfying step Saturday: He played catch.Testing his right arm for the first time since he was injured during his May 25 collision at home plate, Posey threw for approximately 7 1/2 minutes wi football online th Giants head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner at a distance of approximately 60-75 feet at AT T Park."I never would have thought I'd be so excited driving to the field today, just to play catch for seven minutes," Posey said. "It's a big confidence booster to get back out there."Groeschner said that when the Giants leave for their three-city trip next Wednesday, Posey will head for the club's tr football online aining complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., to intensify his rehabilitation and baseball-related activities. Posey said that he might begin hitting off a batting tee at about that time."That'll be fun, too," the National League's reigning Rookie of the Year said. "... In the next three of four weeks, when I'm able to do more functional stuff, it's going to get better and better."Whether he's in Arizona, football online where Groeschner said he'll likely remain until Nov. 1, or home in Georgia afterward, Posey will spend a disproportionate amount of time catching pitchers' throwing sessions so he can regain the necessary range of motion in his leg for playing defense.Posey already has practiced folding himself into his catcher's squat for the last couple of weeks. He said that he now feels no pain in his leg, tho football online ugh it remains stiff and weak. Posey added that he still must spend plenty of time in the weight room, regaining strength and performing exercises to help his balance."I'm a pretty goal-oriented person," said Posey, 24. "I know where I have to go to get back out on the field. My motivation comes from enjoying playing baseball and competing and having a chance to do what we did last year." football online
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