SAN DIEGO -- Johnny Cueto's loss in the All-Star Game aside, the Giants couldn't be entering the second half of the season with any more momentum.
They own baseball's best record at 57-33. They expect to welcome back second baseman Joe Panik and right-hander Matt Cain from the disabled list midway through their three-city road trip to San Diego, Boston and the Bronx. By the time they return home July 25, right fielder Hunter Pence and third baseman Matt Duffy should be just about ready to be activated, too.And they'll begin their trip on Friday at Petco Park by starting a pitcher, Madison Bumgarner, who is coming off a one-hit, 14-strikeout gem, while facing an opponent, the San Diego Padres, whom they have beaten in all nine meetings this season.