SAN FRANCISCO – Madison Bumgarner’s left shoulder is making progress faster than anyone anticipated.
Bumgarner threw off a mound for the second time in three days Sunday, and Giants manager Bruce Bochy expressed surprise at how the left-hander was “letting it go” during his 30-pitch session.
The Giants are prepared to let Bumgarner throw live batting practice this weekend in Colorado – a first step toward a minor league rehab assignment.
Bochy said he still didn’t expect Bumgarner back in the Giants rotation until after the All-Star break. But if he continues his pace with no setbacks, perhaps it’s possible that he will return before Aug. 1.
Bumgarner will be in Colorado for the first time since he separated his left shoulder in a dirt bike wipeout on the club’s day off April 20.
Of course, the Giants could use Bumgarner’s bat in the lineup, too. He became the first pitcher in history to hit two home runs on opening day, his eight total bases in that game still haven’t been exceeded by any Giants player this season.
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Brandon Belt and Denard Span are getting a designed day off against left-hander Nik Turley, who was a non-roster invitee in Giants camp in 2015. Turley, 27, is in his 11th professional season and making his major league debut for the Twins.
Brandon Crawford, who isn’t seeing the ball well and hasn’t hit a hot streak all season, also is taking a day off. Bochy said he hoped the break, combined with Monday’s off day, would give his trio of lefties a chance to reset.
Hope is pretty much all Bochy has at this point.
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