BASEBALL REPORT : DAILY UPDATE : AROUND THE MAJORS

Rick Reuschel has been dropped from the San Francisco Giants rotation and moved to the bullpen, clearing a starting spot for Kelly Downs.

“I just feel Kelly is ahead of him,” said Giant Manager Roger Craig. “He’s throwing better. Kelly was pitching extremely well until he got hurt.”

Kelly went on the 15-day disabled list two weeks ago with a deep bruise and infection on his right foot. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Wednesday and will start Wednesday’s game against the Dodgers at Candlestick Park, Craig said.

Reuschel, 41, was informed of his demotion prior to Sunday’s game in Houston, which the Giants lost 7-2.

“I’ll do whatever they want,” Reuschel said. “If they keep me around all year, I think I’ll have more innings than anybody else on the staff.”

At the same time, Reuschel interpreted the move as a possible first step toward his release. He said fellow pitcher Don Robinson, 33, may be in a similar situation.

“They’ll keep us around for a while to see if there are injuries, but if everybody does well, I don’t like the odds for one of us, maybe both, to be around all year,” Reuschel said.

“It’s so unpredictable. There’s not a lot of rhyme or reason for what goes on around here. Years ago it bothered me, but I kept getting dumber every year and tried to quit figuring out this game.”

Releasing Reuschel would cost the Giants $1 million. He is signed through this season at $850,000 and has a $150,000 buyout clause for next year.

In the past, Craig has expressed reluctance about using Reuschel out of the bullpen. Reuschel (0-1) has been a starter throughout most of his 18-year career, including the last four in San Francisco. Only 25 of his 554 outings have come in relief, three as a member of the Giants.

He started Friday night’s 3-2 loss at Houston, allowing nine hits and three runs over six innings.

“I’ll be really careful how I use him (in the bullpen),” Craig said. “I’d like to use him to start off innings and I’d never pitch him two days in a row.”

Added Craig, “The bottom line is I want to win every game possible. I feel we’ve got a better chance with Downs.”

Downs threw well in a simulated game on Saturday and in his final two appearances of the spring. He said the foot injury has been healed for about a week.

The Giants will have to make a roster move when Downs is activated.

Another move may be in the offing later this week. Shortstop Jose Uribe, who had a bruised right heel, can come off the 15-day disabled list on Friday and his replacement, rookie Mike Benjamin, has struggled. Benjamin has gone one for 14 in the first six games, an .071 batting average.