Madison Bumgarner will be going to the doctor on Tuesday to try to get clearance to begin throwing. Bumgarner cannot return until May 25th, but if he can begin throwing, that will mean he is healing properly and is in line to return as scheduled. Maybe it won’t be on May 25th, but the fact that he hasn’t had any set backs thus far is a good sign. We’ll probably know more tomorrow.
Mac Williamson must remain on the concussion disabled list for the full seven days. They were not able to do it retroactively because the player they brought up to replace him (Austin Slater) did not serve 10 days in the minors after being optioned on Friday night (he was recalled just hours later for the double-header). So, although Williamson is showing no symptoms and feels fine, he will have to stay on the disabled list the full seven days from the date it was announced, which means he will not be eligible to play again until Saturday.
This is not bad news. Considering the team’s history with concussions, it doesn’t hurt anything to give him more time and see how he’s doing.
Andrew Suarez will be getting called back up to pitch on Tuesday, due to the double-header messing up the rotation. He will likely be sent back down on Wednesday so that Will Smith can return to the team.
No update on when Hunter Pence will return, after a less than impressive rehab stint thus far. Of course, lack of hitting isn’t actually something that you can stay on the disabled list for. But it could very well be that his thumb is still bothering him. Or they will say it is. With Williamson on the disabled list the rest of the week, it will at least give Austin Slater a little more time to showcase what he’s got.
As mentioned yesterday, Joe Panik will be seeking a second opinion about his sprained thumb, however the team seems fairly resigned that they are going to be without him for a number of weeks, based on previous injuries that have required the same surgery.
This stretch will expose the lack of middle infield depth, with Kelby Tomlinson and Alen Hanson likely switching out to cover second base as a platoon. Time to send your good vibes to Brandon Crawford to stay healthy.