Giants notes: Romo activated; Panik back after All-Star Game

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SAN FRANCISCO -- Bruce Bochy never anticipated going this long without Sergio Romo, but finally, the beleaguered bullpen is getting the key right-hander back. Romo will be activated in time for Monday's game, putting him back in the big leagues after three months spent rehabbing a right flexor strain. 

To clear a roster spot, the Giants optioned right-hander Albert Suarez to Triple-A Sacramento. Suarez has pitched well in place of Matt Cain, but the Giants don't need a fifth starter until after the All-Star break and Cain is expected to return in time to make that start. The Giants had also considered putting Denard Span on the DL after the center fielder had a trigger injection in his neck.

To clear a 40-man roster spot, the Giants designated for assignment right-hander Mike Broadway. The Giants had to let go of a player since Romo had been stashed on the 60-day DL.

Bochy said he hopes to ease Romo in, but it won't be long before he's back in that eighth inning.  "Ideally, I'd like to get him out there once so Rags (Dave Righetti) and I can get a look at him and see where he's at," he said. "It's been a long road for him. Now what you hope is that with all this time off, he can be fresh."

--- Bochy said the All-Star break, starting next Monday, will play a part in how the Giants handle injured players like Span. But the break isn't extending Joe Panik's stay on the DL. Panik has a concussion and the Giants don't feel he'll be ready until the second half regardless of how many days off they have next week.

"We're not going to rush that," Bochy said of Panik.

Some other notes from the manager's morning session: Gregor Blanco's knee is feeling much better, and he should be available today. With the Giants short on healthy outfielders, Bochy noted that Grant Green is an option. He has played outfield in the past ... Ramiro Pena (ankle) is fully cleared. He could start tomorrow ... Kelby Tomlinson went from San Jose to Sacramento, and he'll play the field for them tonight. 

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