SAN DIEGO -- Hunter Pence was supposed to play 10 Triple-A innings this weekend but he'll end up at three. And the Giants are just fine with that.
Pence is being held out of the lineup Sunday in Round Rock after coming out in the third inning Saturday night with some hamstring soreness. Manager Bruce Bochy said the training staff felt this was the best move, even though Pence woke up feeling fine.
"We're just being cautious here," Bochy said. "He's feeling like he could play."
The soreness was actually a good reminder of how important it is to be careful. Pence felt great for the last couple of weeks and was running at nearly 100 percent during the All-Star break. Game speed is different, though, and when the adrenaline kicks in this often happens.
"You've got to be careful and slow-play it, as we say all the time with these guys," Bochy said. "We're trying to stay away from setbacks."
Bochy would love to have Pence back in the lineup this week, but he's committed to the slow-play. He has viewed the next homestand as a return date, but even then, Bochy has refused to say Pence will be back Monday against the Reds. He'll try to hold firm.
"I'm sure (Pence) is texting (Dave) Groeschner and wanting to play," Bochy said, smiling.
--- Matt Cain threw a bullpen session Sunday and felt good. He's all set to start Wednesday at Fenway Park.
--- Matt Duffy and Cory Gearrin are headed for Arizona while the Giants go to the East Coast. Duffy (Achilles) will try to run again Tuesday; Gearrin (shoulder) will throw off a mound.
--- The podcast took an All-Star break as well, but I've got a couple lined up for next week. You can subscribe here to get them as soon as they're posted.
