BOSTON -- The Giants had hoped to get Hunter Pence back early. Instead, the right fielder is simply on schedule.
Pence was out of Triple-A Sacramento's lineup again on Wednesday, giving him three straight games off after his hamstring flared up during his first rehab game. Manager Bruce Bochy said Pence could play Thursday, but he also acknowledged that Pence is no longer likely to return during the next homestand.
"Again, it's being cautious," Bochy said. "It's not like he's behind. We were just getting encouraged with the progress he was making and thought he might be ready early.