HOUSTON -- Madison Bumgarner threw a 30-pitch simulated game prior to Tuesday's game at Minute Maid Park, and the Giants' ace is on track to pitch on Saturday for Triple-A Sacramento in a rehab assignment.
"He's good to go. He threw all his pitches," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Really good work, a good session today."
The left-hander threw 15 pitches, took a five-minute break and finished it off with 15 more pitches. It's the first time Bumgarner has faced live hitters in his rehab.
"It felt good, everything was working good," said Bumgarner, who fractured his left pinkie on his pitching hand fielding a line drive in his final Spring Training start. "The breaking balls were doing what they're supposed to with a lot more consistency than the previous bullpens."
Tuesday was the fourth throwing session for the 2014 World Series MVP, who has a career 104-76 record and a 3.01 ERA.
"Things are getting better every time I go out there," said Bumgarner, who is scheduled to throw around 45 pitches on Saturday and could return to San Francisco's rotation around mid-June. Bumgarner most likely will make three rehab starts before rejoining the club.
"I don't know if it's just having hitters in there, knowing you just got to make pitches. I don't know what it was, but [the breaking balls] were much better."
Bumgarner said his arm strength is there and he's definitely encouraged after Tuesday's work.
"Everything feels normal. I don't notice anything with my hand," said Bumgarner, who has been taking batting practice since he resumed throwing after the injury, which required the insertion of three pins in his left hand to stabilize the break.
Osich recalled; Valdez lands on DL
The Giants recalled left-hander Josh Osich from Triple-A Sacramento prior to Tuesday night's game at Houston and placed right-hander Jose Valdez on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation, retroactive to May 19.
Osich had an 8.10 ERA (nine earned runs in 10 innings) in 11 relief appearances with San Francisco before being placed on the 10-day DL on April 27 with a strained right hip. He appeared in four games with Sacramento, throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Valdez, who had his contract purchased on May 10, last appeared with the Giants on May 18 versus Colorado, giving up two earned runs, three hits -- including a home run -- and a walk. In four appearances with the Giants, Valdez has allowed seven runs and eight hits, including three home runs.
Powell gets World Series ring
Prior to Tuesday's game, Giants hitting coach Alonzo Powell was presented with his 2017 World Series ring by Astros owner Jim Crane and Astros manager AJ Hinch in a brief on-field ceremony. Powell was Houston's assistant hitting coach last season.
"A nice special occasion," Powell said. "It's something you get to cherish for a lifetime.
"Brings back a lot of good memories being here and winning last year. Being part of a winning team here led me to getting this job in San Francisco."

Powell sees Hinch as a mentor and friend. In November, Powell took the position with the Giants. In January, Powell had surgery for prostate cancer.
"It means a lot that AJ looked out for me through the whole process of the Giants," Powell said. "He's always been in my corner."
As is Bochy, who is pleased that Powell received his World Series ring and that the Giants have Powell assisting his club's hitters.
"It's a special moment for Alonzo," Bochy said. "This is what you try to get since you were a kid, especially when you sign a professional baseball contract and get that World Series ring. And he's getting one and we're proud for him. It's an exciting day for him.
"He's been great with us. He's got a good feel for hitting and he's got a very positive attitude. He's got a great way about him. We're glad to have him, we're lucky to have him."