Jensen demoted; Giants recall pair

San Francisco — Right-hander Ryan Jensen, who won 13 games for the San Francisco Giants last season, was demoted to Triple-A Fresno Sunday amid sharply differing opinions on his arm strength.

The Giants, who begin a seven-game road trip at Arizona today, also assigned outfielder Jason Ellison to Fresno.

San Francisco bolstered its bullpen for the trip, recalling left-hander Chad Zerbe and purchasing the contract of veteran right-hander Manny Aybar from Fresno.

Jensen began the season as the Giants’ No. 4 starter following his successful rookie campaign, but he spent nearly a month on the disabled list because of a strained muscle in his lower back.

Jensen has pitched in relief since his return, but Giants manager Felipe Alou doesn’t think Jensen is ready for the majors.

“We don’t see the velocity, the arm speed, so we sent him back to start and be the good starting pitcher that he is,” Alou said. “I haven’t seen the real Jensen yet. You don’t win 13 games throwing the way he is. … The way Jensen is pitching right now, he’s not ready to go every day.”

Ellison, who started in place of Barry Bonds Sunday, had a 10-day stint with San Francisco, getting one hit in 10 at-bats.

Zerbe and Aybar were in the Giants’ bullpen last fall during their run to the World Series.

Indians promote Phillips

Cleveland — The Cleveland Indians purchased the contract of right-hander Jason Phillips from Triple-A Buffalo and designated right-hander Jerrod Riggan for assignment Sunday. Phillips went 6-0 with a 2.70 ERA at Buffalo. Signed by Cleveland as a minor-league free agent in 2001, Phillips went 1-3 with a 4.97 ERA in eight games with the Indians in 2002. He had right elbow surgery in September. Riggan, acquired in the deal that sent All-Star Roberto Alomar to the Mets two years ago, was hit hard in two outings with Cleveland this season. He gave up seven hits and four runs in four innings after being recalled Tuesday from Buffalo.

Astros recall Saarloos

Houston — The Houston Astros recalled right-handed pitcher Kirk Saarloos from Triple-A New Orleans Sunday. Saarloos was 4-0 with a 2.34 ERA in seven starts at New Orleans. He was promoted a day after starter Roy Oswalt was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a right groin strain. Saarloos will work in the Astros’ bullpen.

Mientkiewicz out 10 days

Minneapolis — Minnesota Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz left the team’s game Sunday because of a sprained left ankle and is expected to miss at least 10 days. Mientkiewicz’s ankle landed on Chicago White Sox third baseman Joe Crede’s foot as Crede tagged him out when Mientkiewicz was retreating to third base in the bottom of the second inning. Manager Ron Gardenhire said the Twins would make a decision today whether to put Mientkiewicz on the 15-day disabled list.

Padres option Bynum

San Diego — The San Diego Padres optioned left-hander Mike Bynum to Triple-A Portland of the Pacific Coast League Sunday. His spot will be filled Tuesday night when right-hander Adam Eaton comes off the disabled list to start at Milwaukee. Bynum was 0-2 with an 8.84 ERA. He allowed 10 homers in 191/3 innings.