SCOTTSDALE -- Madison Bumgarner doesn't remember ever missing a start because of an injury. "And this doesn't count," he pointed out.
The Opening Day starter didn't pitch last Sunday because of minor ailments in his left foot and the right side of his ribcage, but he said he's preparing to return to the mound Saturday. Bumgarner played catch Wednesday and will throw a bullpen session, and barring a setback he'll be back in the spring rotation. The Giants have taken a cautious approach with Bumgarner, who said he would have pitched through the irritation if this were the regular season.
"We still do have time," he said. "You don't want to take something that's not a big deal and make it into one. But it's tough, because it's not fun getting treatment."
[PAVLOVIC: Span has sore shoulder after diving attempt in center]
Denard Span has also spent plenty of time in the trainer's room, but he felt so good Thursday morning that he headed over to the minor league facility to get four at-bats in camp games. Span jammed his right shoulder on a dive in center field Wednesday, but he came in early for treatment and took some swings off a tee. He went 1 for 4 over in minor league games, legging out a triple. Span is coming off hip surgery and said he's still working on endurance.
"I felt like I had a washing machine on my back," on the triple, he said.
Span was diagnosed with just a bone bruise. He said he hopes to be back in center field Friday, but he'll leave that decision up to manager Bruce Bochy.
The injury news isn't all positive. Fourth outfielder Gregor Blanco was originally in Thursday's lineup, but he was scratched because he continues to feel back tightness.
