Giants send Chris Heston to Triple-A

PITTSBURGH -- The San Francisco Giants sent pitcher Chris Heston to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, hoping to give him a small break before the stretch drive.

Heston, 27, is 11-7 with a 3.34 ERA this year and threw a no-hitter against the New York Mets on June 9. Heston, however, has had trouble going deep into games in recent weeks, making it past the fifth inning just once in four starts this month.

Manager Bruce Bochy said the team wanted to "back (Heston) off a bit" and added there were indications that fatigue might be an issue. Heston was scheduled to pitch for San Francisco on Saturday but instead will be given a few days off before taking the hill for Sacramento.

Heston will return to San Francisco when rosters expand on Sept. 1.