NEW YORK -- When word reached the Giants that Triple-A Fresno starter Jesse Foppert was pulled out of last Thursday night's game against Tucson with a blister on his throwing hand, alarm bells rang.

Oh no, not again.

Foppert, still gaining strength from Tommy John surgery back on Sept. 16, 2003, had developed a blister on a finger earlier and missed 23 days of action, setting back his efforts to rejoin the Giants.

But San Francisco trainer Stan Conte said Saturday that while a small blister was developing, Foppert appears OK and will make his next start.

"It was maybe a little overreaction and panic on our part, but rightfully so since he had gone through that stuff," said Conte. "As we talked today, he's fine. The trainer in Fresno didn't know if he was going to take him out or not, so he called, and we erred on the cautious side."

Foppert, 3-1, struck out five batters over five frames in the Grizzlies' eventual 6-0 victory over the Sidewinders. The former University of San Francisco pitcher has a 4.40 ERA over nine games and has struck out 41 over 43 innings.

Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti said the Giants are concerned about Foppert's problem but hope it clears up.

"Sometimes pitchers bite their cuticles and have trouble with their nails," said Righetti. "Nobody's ever had a clear-cut answer other than to stick their hands in pickle brine.

"In his case, something's causing it and we have to keep it calm," he added. "You have to be careful on the side. He was set back at least three or four games before. It was pretty bad and [flared up] when he was just playing catch. It wasn't a normal little blister."

Foppert used an acrylic nail before to help alleviate the problem.

The pitcher told MLB.com he was doing well after the original blister cleared and was rapidly regaining arm stretch.

Back in action: Giants center fielder Marquis Grissom returned to duty on Saturday after coming off the disabled list with a knee contusion and a left hamstring problem.

Moises Alou moved to left field, while leadoff hitter Jason Ellison started in right. Deivi Cruz batted third, taking the second base spot from Ray Durham.

Feliz struggles: Left fielder Pedro Feliz is hitting .250 (3-for-12) on the road trip, and manager Felipe Alou says he continues to try to pull the ball too much, a natural tendency for the player.

"He's a power guy who'll never be a master of hitting the other way," said Alou. "You won't see Pedro hit the right-field foul pole. He's a good hitter and his strength is legitimate."

This is Feliz's first year of regular play and Alou noted he'll get more than his share of strategy and slumps.

On deck: A rare doubleheader awaits the Giants and Mets on Sunday at Shea Stadium, thanks to Friday night's rainout. Brett Tomko (4-7, 4.14 ERA) will pitch the opener for San Francisco, and Jason Schmidt (3-1, 5.08 ERA) the nightcap. Tomko is 3-6 lifetime vs. the Mets, while Schmidt has a 1-0, 2.48 ERA mark in his last four starts against New York.