Barry Zito will probably become an $18.5 million relief pitcher pretty soon, but he’s set to make a spot start for the Giants next week.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy confirmed today that Zito will return from the disabled list to start the second game of a doubleheader Tuesday against the Cubs, according to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News.
Zito hasn’t pitched for the Giants since he sprained his right foot on April 16. The 33-year-old has a 2.20 ERA over four minor league rehab starts, including a complete-game two-hitter for Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday.
Zito would probably be a respectable backend starter for several major league teams, but he has little chance of cracking the Giants’ rotation right now. His replacement Ryan Vogelsong has a 1.86 ERA and 57/19 K/BB ratio over 72 2/3 innings this season.
