SAN FRANCISCO — Welcome back, Hunter Pence. Now take a seat.
After missing 40 games to rehab a thumb injury and tinker with his swing, Pence was reinstated to the roster Saturday before the Giants faced the Phildelphia Phillies at AT&T Park. To make room on the roster, outfielder Gregor Blanco was was designated for assignment.
Blanco cleared waivers, manager Bruce Bochy said, will be outrighted to the minor leagues and is expected to join the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats Tuesday.
Pence comes back ready and willing to back up Andrew McCutchen in right field and Mac Williamson in left.