MIAMI — The Giants aren’t talking about skipping Randy Johnson’s next start any longer. Amazingly, they might send the Big Unit to the mound on short rest instead.

Manager Bruce Bochy made the stunning announcement that Johnson would be a candidate to pitch Monday’s series finale at LandShark Stadium. Johnson, the newest 300-game winner, noted significant improvement to his bruised left shoulder while playing long toss Saturday.
“Better than I thought it’d go,” said Johnson, who didn’t hold anything back during the flat-ground session. “I was encouraged. We’ll see what they have planned and go from there.”
Johnson threw 78 pitches while winning his 300th game Thursday. Matt Cain threw 86 pitches in Game 2 of the doubleheader and is another candidate to start on short rest.
Bochy said Cain could handle the assignment but noted that Johnson has more experience pitching on short rest.
“Obviously, we wouldn’t do it unless he’s 100 percent,” Bochy said.
Triple-A right-hander Billy Sadler is another option. Sadler pitched a third of an inning in what appeared to be a tuneup start Friday for Fresno. But with no obvious candidates to send down, the Giants would prefer to avoid making a roster move.

If Sadler is the choice, Cain would pitch on normal rest Tuesday at Arizona and Johnson would face his former team Wednesday.