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Hunter Pence Possibly Heading To DL, Matt Cain Likely Pitching In Sacramento For Next Start

NEW YORK (AP) - Hunter Pence could be headed back to the disabled list.

The San Francisco Giants right fielder, who didn't make his season debut until mid-May because of a broken left forearm, has not played since June 2 because of a sore left wrist. He was out of the starting lineup again for Tuesday night's series opener against the New York Mets.

San Francisco could make a DL stint retroactive and Pence would be eligible to be activated June 17.

"Possibility. I don't say likely," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Ask me that in the next day or so, and then I may switch over to likely."

Pence felt OK when he hit off a tee, but there was soreness when he took soft-toss swings.

"Took some swings today and we just felt like he's just not quite there," Bochy said.

Pence planned to swing more in the batting cage later Tuesday. He was hit on the left arm by a pitch from Chicago Cubs prospect Corey Black early in spring training.

Gregor Blanco, who had been scheduled to start in right field Tuesday, was scratched without explanation and replaced by Justin Maxwell.

- Also:

- Matt Cain, sidelined since last July 9 by right elbow surgery and then a strained flexor tendon, began a minor league rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Richmond against Portland. Cain allowed two runs and three hits in 3 2-3 innings. He struck out two, walked one and threw 48 pitches.

Bochy said Cain will have to make at least three minor league appearances before returning to the Giants.

"He'll probably pitch in Sacramento in his next start," Bochy said.

- Jake Peavy, returning from a strained lower back that has sidelined him since April 17, is to make his third rehab start this week, for Triple-A Sacramento. Bochy said Peavy will need at least one more minor league outing after that.

 

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

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