"In all likelihood, Barry Zito will start one end of the Giants' doubleheader at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. It's also possible he could pitch at home Sunday, when the Giants take on the Cleveland Indians in the 5 o'clock shadows.

Either way, Zito's next appearance will come against major league hitters.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he was encouraged Wednesday after meeting with his $126 million left-hander, who hasn't started since he sprained his right foot April 16 at Arizona.

"He feels good with where he's at," Bochy said of Zito, who finished a monthlong minor league rehab assignment by throwing a two-hit shutout for Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday. "Going down did something for him. He was playing games the way they should be played -- having fun and taking the pressure off "... and realizing how fortunate you are to play baseball. It brought back memories, and it probably helped him."

It won't be much fun, if Zito pitches as he did late last season. He was 1-10 with a 5.19 ERA in his final 15 games (14 starts) and was left off the playoff roster. He was winless with a 6.23 ERA in three starts in April, barely cracking 83 mph.

Zito said he is confident his stuff will play better against big league hitters now. He is driving in a more direct line to the plate, allowing his pitches to have more late life."