"Stalwart right-hander Matt Cain will miss Thursday's exhibition start because of right elbow inflammation, the first real scare for the Giants in what has been a carefree camp this spring.

Cain had an MRI exam after feeling soreness stemming from his last outing Sunday, in which he threw two scoreless innings.

Manager Bruce Bochy said he hoped Cain would miss just one start, but backup catcher Eli Whiteside dealt with a similar issue in the opening days of camp and still hasn't played an inning behind the plate.

"He just felt it a little bit, that's all," Bochy said. "Now's the time to back it off and let it calm down."

Cain, 26, was thought to be the most durable member of the Giants' valuable rotation; over the past four seasons, Cain ranks fifth in the majors in total pitches thrown (13,817) and sixth in innings (214?2/3 per season). He had a stress fracture in his elbow in the minor leagues but hasn't missed a big league start because of injury.

Although Cain is slated to begin the season as the Giants' No. 3 starter, he is considered more of a co-ace with Tim Lincecum. Cain didn't allow an earned run in his three postseason starts, spanning 21?1/3 innings."