Benitez to San Jose: Closer Armando Benitez will pitch in his first game tonight since tearing his hamstring in April. He is expected to throw the first inning for Single-A San Jose in tonight's home game against Bakersfield.

Head trainer Stan Conte said Benitez is ready to "get his feet wet" facing hitters again. If all goes well, Benitez will return to San Jose and pitch another inning Wednesday. Although Benitez is able to cover first base in drills, Conte is advising him not to do so yet.

This is another big step in Benitez's return from surgery, but Conte continues to express caution, saying Benitez will need several rehab games before he can rejoin the Giants. Asked again if Benitez might beat his original prognosis of a Sept. 1 return, the trainer said, "Possibly. It could be a bonus. We're not trying to break any records to get him ready. We'll see how his rehab games go."

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