Friday's starter?

Because of Sunday's rain out, the Giants will need a new starting pitcher if they want to keep their regular five on four-days rest.

Suggestion: Eric Hacker, who pitched Sunday for Fresno. Hacker, who pitched three games for Pittsburgh in 2009 and 2 last season for Minnesota (no decisions nor saves each time), has won all four of his starts for Fresno in 2012, with a 2.19 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.

Hacker is not on the 40-man roster, but no worries. The Giants are using only 39 spots currently, with one extra spot possible if Brian Wilson is transferred to the 60-day DL. [Spots 40* has been vacant since Angel Villalona was moved to the restricted list and Mike Fontenot released prior to Opening Day].

As far as clearing a spot on the 25-man roster, the Giants could send down another pitcher (Dan Otero is the only one with options available) or a player. Brandon Belt and Brett Pill both have options available. There is also the possibility of releasing a veteran player (Huff, Theriot) to clear a spot.

Keep in mind, any player optioned down has to spend 10 days in the minors (unless they return to the 25-man to replace an injured player). If I were the GM, my moves:

1- purchase contract of Hacker
2- a) send down Pill or Belt for the 10-day minimum OR b) release Huff or Theriot
3- After Hacker's start, option him down and
a) recall Conor Gillaspie for another backup infielder
b) purchase contract of Joaquin Arias for another backup infielder
c) recall OF Roger Kieschnick, who is off to a hot start
d) purchase contract of Jason Christian, who is also hot
e) if 2a is the choice, swap Pill or Belt for one of the above four after ten days

* On the Giants official website, only 38 men are listed on the 40-man. They are leaving out INF Ehire Adrianza, unless he was secretly removed.