Belt could return Friday, though thumb is sore

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy said rejoining the Giants on Friday remains "possible" for first baseman Brandon Belt, who continued his Minor League injury rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday.

Belt entered Tuesday batting .588 (10-for-17) in his rehab games with Class A Advanced San Jose and Fresno. But Bochy said Belt's formerly fractured thumb felt sore, which discouraged the Giants from accelerating the timetable for his return.

"You don't want to set him back," Bochy said, urging caution.