Barry Zito back on the mound

Barry Zito back on the mound

Barry Zito back on the mound, Barry Zito will likely return to the mound Tuesday for the Giants, bringing with him a series of convincing rehab performances, a few mechanical tweaks and a renewed appreciation for pitching in the big leagues.San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday that an official decision regarding the specifics of Zito’s return will be made either Thursday or Friday, but there is a “good chance” he will throw one game of a doubleheader in Chicago on Tuesday. Zito threw a two-hit shutout in his final rehab start for Triple-A Fresno, tossing 118 pitches and proving he is ready to return to the Majors.

Zito said he is ready to start Tuesday if that’s the decision Bochy and the Giants coaching staff reaches.

“I feel good. I’ve been having a lot of fun and really just enjoying the game and going out and being prepared,” Zito said. “I think there’s a learning that comes with going through all the levels, starting with the lowest in Arizona then coming up through Cali. You just realize that this game can be a lot of fun if you let it be.”

The left-hander’s curveball was particularly effective in his dominant outing Tuesday night, the product of one of the mechanical tweaks he made during his lengthy rehab from a right foot sprain. Zito said he was driving down the mound a little more than usual, allowing him to get to the plate faster and put “that extra finish” on his pitches.

Bochy was obviously encouraged by Zito’s shutout, but he seemed more excited about how positive Zito’s attitude was and the mental approach he brought back from the Minors — “playing the game the way it should be played, having fun and taking a little pressure off.

“The most important thing is how well he’s feeling and how well he’s throwing, so we’ll get this figured out in the next day or two,” Bochy added.

While it’s not likely, Bochy said there is a chance Zito could pitch before Tuesday, and the club will consider carrying 13 pitchers for a little while upon Zito’s return — at least to get through the doubleheader.

With Zito’s struggles ever since joining the Giants, I’m glad to see he’s getting back into the swing of things (no pun intended.) I was sad to see him taken off the roster, but the rehab seems to be doing him well; a two-hit shutout gives me hope.

We’re all plugging for ya, Z!