Pagan should return at start of September

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy offered an update on injured outfielder Angel Pagan on Tuesday, saying the productive leadoff man is expected to be back in San Francisco by Sept. 1.

The skipper said Pagan, who hasn't played since May 25 due to a strained hamstring that required surgery, has resumed baseball activities like running and hitting in Arizona. Bochy said he had a text-message conversation with Pagan on Tuesday afternoon and that Pagan is progressing well.

"He's coming around. He's actually doing quite well," Bochy said. "He'll have to do some games here -- I don't know when we'll start that -- but it's good to hear that he's upbeat and he'll be playing in September."

Pagan was a key spark plug in the Giants' offense in their stretch run to the 2012 World Series title and started the season as the team's leadoff hitter. He was signed to a four-year, $45 million deal this offseason and was batting .262/.314/.374 with three homers, 24 RBIs and 30 runs at the time of his injury.

Bochy has struggled to find a consistent leadoff option ever since Pagan left, especially noting the lack of production in recent days. On Monday night, Marco Scutaro went 0-for-5 as the No. 1 hitter, but Bochy said Scutaro will stay as the leadoff man for the time being.