Cain gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits over two innings in his spring training debut against the Cubs on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Cain will technically have to earn the Giants' fifth rotation spot this spring, but a clean bill of health and decent production should do the trick. The former All-Star has not pitched over 100 innings or had an ERA below four since 2013, but he does have experience and a massive contract working in his favor. Just because the Giants are considering giving him a rotation spot doesn't mean fantasy owners should be following suit, at least until he shows some semblance of his former self.

While he is the favorite, Cain will have to earn the fifth starter's spot this spring, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

It is fair to ask Cain to battle for the rotation spot after he posted an ERA north of five for two consecutive seasons. However, his massive contract may come into play when the organization as a whole considers whether or not he will be a starter. If Cain makes the rotation, he would have to prove himself on the mound for an extended period before fantasy owners could learn to trust him again.

The Giants activated Cain (back) from the disabled list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Cain will rejoin the Giants on Friday after missing a little over two weeks with a back strain. The veteran Cain has started 308 games over his 12 seasons with the Giants, but he will be used as a bullpen arm moving forward, and will likely be used mainly in long relief.

Cain (back) will pitch out of the bullpen when he's activated from the disabled list, Chris Haft of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cain was considered a candidate to start Friday's contest against the Cubs but that will instead go to Albert Suarez. Cain has had some encouraging results on the mound this season but surrendered 11 runs over 8.2 innings in his two outings prior to hitting the DL. While the veteran will pitch out of the bullpen to begin with, there's a chance he could rejoin the rotation later in September.

Cain (back) is expected to be activated to start Sept. 2 against the Cubs in Chicago, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

A back strain forced Cain to the DL earlier this month but it sounds like he will return next Friday when first eligible. While Cain held the Cubs to one run over six innings in a home start back in May, he has struggled away from home the past two seasons with ERAs north of 6.00 on the road.

Cain was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The Giants officially listed Cain's injury as a lower back strain Thursday after his shaky outing against Pittsburgh on Wednesday. He was tagged for six earned runs in just 4.2 innings of work to take his eighth loss on the year. He could return as early as early September, but it's unclear who will take Cain's rotation spot in his absence.

Cain (4-8) threw 4.2 innings Wednesday against the Pirates, allowing six earned runs on three hits and three walks, striking out four and taking the loss.

EDGE Analysis

Cain was cruising through four innings, allowing just a single hit, but the wheels came off in the sixth when the Pirates rallied for six runs. Much of the damage was self-inflicted, as Cain loaded the bases on a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch, and then walked in a run. Next Matt Joyce drove in two with a pinch-hit single, and Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run blast to help end Cain's night. Cain has had a rough 2016 that wasn't helped any by Wednesday's performance, sporting a 5.81 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. Cain hasn't had a sub-four ERA since 2012, and represents a risky fantasy play going forward.

Cane allowed five runs on 11 hits and a walk across just four innings during Friday's loss to Baltimore. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Cain allowed a pair of runs during a second-inning rally and two more on a Mark Trumbo home run in the third, and he was finally chased from the game with an elevated pitch count when Chris Davis launched a solo shot to lead off the fifth. The veteran came into Friday's start on the back of three straight wins and 10 consecutive innings of scoreless ball, but he was unable to contain one of the toughest lineups the American League has to offer. Cain's ERA now sits at a disappointing 5.47 for the season and he will look to get back on track Wednesday versus the Pirates.

Cain (4-6) allowed five hits and three walks but didn't yield a run over five innings in a victory over the Nationals on Saturday. He also struck out four in the win.

EDGE Analysis

It's the second straight start Cain didn't allow a run, but he also didn't pitch past the fifth. Having made just four starts since returning from the disabled list, the Giants are trying to build up his arm strength. Cain also continued to struggle with his control, which didn't help his pitch count. He threw just 51 of his 95 pitches for strikes. Even still, it's hard to argue with 10 straight scoreless frames. Cain will pitch again Friday against the Orioles.

Cain (3-6) did not allow a hit or a run over five innings of work, walking four and striking out five in a win over the Nationals on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

It was an odd stat line to say the least. Usually a pitcher isn't lifted from a no-hit bid without at least hitting the 100-pitch mark. Unique circumstances called for this decision, as the Giants were building up Cain's arm strength just three starts removed from the disabled list. Cain didn't help himself, only throwing 48 of his 93 pitches for strikes. All-in-all, it was a solid outing from the big righty as he picked up his second win in as many starts. His season ERA still sits at 5.53 and lackluster strikeout totals (6.56 K/9) make him an unappealing option in standard formats.