PHOENIX – Even by his effervescent standards, Hunter Pence was in an upbeat mood Saturday.
Pence took batting practice on the field for the first time since his hamstring tendon surgery June 9 — a positive sign that the Giants could have him back by the end of the month. Pence is progressing as expected within the 6-to-8 week recovery and rehab timetable, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
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The leading edge of that timetable would arrive July 21. The Giants are optimistic that Pence can return soon after that date; that’s why they didn’t transfer Pence to the 60-day disabled list (which would’ve pushed back his activation date to Aug.