Jerome

Williams

It is increasingly likely that both could return to the Giants this season. With a little health and experience, Foppert and Williams could become valuable parts of the Giants rotation in the near future.

He’ll throw another Tuesday. If he has no problems with his elbow or triceps, he could return shortly aftewards. Pitching coach Dave Righetti said Williams will return as a starter, not a reliever.

Williams could still return sometime in September but isn’t likely to have much value in fantasy leagues.

Podsednik has some value despite his poor 2004, but he’s not worth Williams or Jesse Foppert. The Giants probably countered with Brad Hennessey and maybe another pitching prospect.

''I actually found the key is working out, running, doing everything I have to do, he said. ''It wasn’t a secret. You guys could see me last spring. I was bloated.’' More importantly, Williams said his surgically repaired pitching elbow feels great and he has already thrown five bullpen sessions. This could be the 23-year-old’s breakthrough season.

The Giants can use a special ''bereavement’’ clause to replace Jason Schmidt, who lost his mother to cancer, on the roster for a minimum of three days and a maximum of five. Williams, Kurt Ainsworth and Jesse Foppert are the future of the San Francisco pitching staff, and all will be with the big club at the same time, though Williams would probably head back down when Schmidt returns.

Williams wasn’t given any chance to win a spot on the Giants. The team clearly prefers Jesse Foppert right now.

“It was scary at first. . . . but it’s cleared up right now. I’ll find out when I throw, but to me, it’s nothing,” Williams said.

Bad news for Williams owners. He’ll be facing the Braves instead of the Expos.

Williams has shoulder tendinitis. Noah Lowry could start in his place.