Giants place Matt Cain on disabled list

Manager Bruce Bochy wasn’t sure whether Cain would return to the rotation when healthy or be groomed to pitch in relief. Cain is hurt, too, and he had an MRI and got a cortisone shot.

After Matt Cain’s miserable month, it was going to be hard to keep him in the rotation once rosters expanded and Chris Heston rejoined the team. His assignment to Triple-A was primarily for rest purposes, and after a bullpen session Wednesday, Heston said he feels good and that the rest should prove beneficial down the stretch. He last pitched for the Giants on August. 17 at St. Louis and is winless in his past four starts.

Meanwhile, Bochy reiterated his hope that shortstop Brandon Crawford will return Monday from his mild oblique strain. The Giants hope to have Panik at some point on their 10-game trip, but he s not expected back in time to face the Dodgers. Angel Pagan, out with tendinitis in his right knee, will continue a rehab assignment with Class A San Jose on Saturday and be activated once rosters expand next week.

Juan Perez was the candidate to be sent down for Pagan, but Perez is the only backup infielder right now because Kelby Tomlinson and Ehire Adrianza are already starting. Panik took batting practice indoors Saturday and should hit on the field Sunday before joining the River Cats in Sacramento. Plus Bochy said it would serve Pagan well to get a few more at-bats. In addition to all their other injuries (Matt Holliday, Adam Wainwright, Matt Adams), they ll play this weekend without All-Star closer Trevor Rosenthal, who is taking paternal leave for the birth of his child.

If you missed Friday’s moves, Chris Heston will start Sunday’s finale in place of Matt Cain, who was placed on the disabled list because of elbow nerve inflammation.

— Just a look ahead: Madison Bumgarner vs. Zack Greinke on Tuesday. Yep.