Giants designate Wellemeyer

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants have designated for assignment pitcher Todd Wellemeyer, the right-hander who began the season as the team’s fifth starter.

Infielder Emmanuel Burriss was called up from Triple-A Fresno for depth. Manager Bruce Bochy expects some starts soon for Burriss, who hasn’t played in the majors since June 15, 2009, because of a broken left foot. The Giants are in a stretch of 13 straight games without an off day.

“That’s pretty much my role – it always has been,” Burriss said of coming off the bench. “That’s what I’m expecting. … I’ve been trying to get back to the hitter I know I can be.”

Burriss batted .289 with eight doubles, a triple, 15 RBIs and seven stolen bases between Class-A San Jose and Fresno. He broke his foot last season and then fractured it again in the first game of spring training this year. The 25-year-old Burriss has stolen 24 bases in his two big league seasons, so the speed dimension could provide a boost.

Wellemeyer was on the disabled list from June 11 to Aug. 5 with a right quadriceps strain. He is 3-5 with a 5.68 ERA in 13 outings, including 11 starts.