There aren’t many sellouts in the Pacific Coast League, but there aren’t many opportunities for fans of AAA baseball to watch Madison Bumgarner in person.
Bumgarner made his second rehab start since suffering a shoulder sprain in a dirt-biking accident in April, and after throwing three hitless innings in the Arizona Rookie League last weekend, the Giants’ left-hander battled through an up-and-down effort against the Fresno Grizzlies on Friday evening.
Bumgarner’s arrival at Raley Field in Sacramento triggered the River Cats’ first sellout of the season, as more than 14,000 fans packed in to watch the Giants’ ace kick off Fourth of July weekend with a short rehab stint.
“I appreciate everyone’s support,” Bumgarner told a group of reporters after his start. “I’m working hard to get back. We’re going as fast as we can go safely without pushing it to much or taking too much of a chance. But we’re definitely moving quick to get back out there.”
The Giants’ ace lasted 3 and 2/3 innings, surrendered seven hits, four earned runs and one walk while picking up one strikeout.
“I’ve felt really good throughout this whole process and I definitely feel really good about where I am at,” Bumgarner said. “I don’t feel very far.”
After allowing one run in the first inning, Bumgarner gave up a three-spot in the second inning as Sacramento fell behind Fresno, the Astros’ AAA affiliate, 4-1. However, he settled down in the third inning and put up his first scoreless frame of the night, and the River Cats took him off the hook for a potential loss by scoring three-third inning runs.
Bumgarner lasted for one out in the fourth inning, before he was removed from the game after throwing 62 pitches.
Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy said earlier this week that the plan for Bumgarner’s next rehab starts calls for him to pitch for San Francisco’s A affiliate in San Jose. With the River Cats hitting the road, the Giants want Bumgarner to pitch locally.
Bumgarner is expected to make at least three more rehab starts before returning to the Giants’ rotation, and if San Francisco believes its ace needs more time, there will be no pressure to rush him back.
