SAN FRANCISCO – The 2018 season has been rife with injuries for the San Francisco Giants. Before Monday night’s game, manager Bruce Bochy gave updated the injury timetables for Madison Bumgarner, Joe Panik, Mark Melancon, and Alen Hanson.
Bumgarner threw 20 pitches Monday during batting practice with intense focus. Bochy elaborated on the club’s plans for his rehab over the next couple weeks.
“He looked good, he threw fine,” Bochy said. “Twenty pitches and looked good. After Saturday then he’s going to throw to hitters in Houston. Then you’ll see him down pitching in the minor leagues.”
Bochy was not surprised that his star pitcher was throwing so well early on in his rehab assignment.
“I have no question of [his] health,” Bochy said. “We’re not dealing with any kind of arm injury, that’s why he’s letting it go the way he is now. The issue right now is you have to build stamina and strength.”
MadBum threw a bullpen session today 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ki51XxmGov
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) May 15, 2018
Via NBC Sports
Bochy assured that Bumgarner is on schedule for an early June return as the club had projected.
“His attitude is great, he’s just excited he’s back throwing. It’s what he loves,” said Bochy. “It was fun today to watch how focused he was on 20 pitches.”
The Giants also placed infield cornerstone Joe Panik on the DL after needing surgery on his left thumb. Panik sustained the injury after a pick-off attempt in late April.
“[Joe]’s probably a couple weeks away from starting a rehab” Bochy said.
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Panik’s replacement Alen Hanson, who has already hit four home runs, was also placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday, another blow to the Giants roster.
“They’re telling me 10 to 14 days,” says Bochy. “We’re hoping for the lesser, trust me. This kid is really playing some great ball.”
Mark Melancon is also coming along in his rehab as he gears up to start facing hitters.
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