PHILADELPHIA -- Giants outfielder Hunter Pence, who has missed 20 games with a strained left hamstring, could be activated in time to play against the Phillies in Sunday's series finale at Citizens Bank Park.
Manager Bruce Bochy said after Saturday's 5-3 loss at Citizens Bank Park that Pence was en route to Philadelphia and that a decision would be made after he arrives whether he'll return to the lineup immediately or Monday in Milwaukee.
"Does it make sense, flying across the country for a day game?" Bochy asked rhetorically before Saturday's game. "These are the things we're talking about. But you know Hunter. He's battling to get back here and wants to join this club as soon as possible. We've been through this before, so we're not in uncharted territory with him on this."
The decision, it turns out, was that it did make sense. Pence was scheduled to arrive at Philadelphia International Airport late Saturday night.
Pence was 3-for-10 with two walks and three runs in three games with Class A San Jose. On Friday, he scored from first on a double.
"He's running well," Bochy said, adding he was uncertain whether Pence would need any more rehab games. "Running's not an issue at all. It's just a matter of getting his timing at the plate. He says he feels good. He had a couple strikeouts, but he says he feels good.
"All is well. He's doing good with the hamstring. It's just a matter of what day we [activate him]."
Pence was batting .243 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in 37 games when he went on the disabled list.