SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Most starting pitchers go the bullpen to regain their form. Madison Bumgarner went to the bullpen on Friday because he was too effective.
The Giants' Opening Day starter pitched three perfect innings in their 3-2 Cactus League loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Bumgarner was so efficient that he did not reach his 50-pitch limit. He threw 42. Thus, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, the left-hander retired to the bullpen to complete his workload.
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"I feel fresh and sharp here," said Bumgarner, who struck out four Reds, retired three on fly balls and coaxed two groundouts.
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While making his Cactus League debut in his previous outing last Sunday against the Cubs, Bumgarner yielded four hits and three runs (two earned) in 1 2/3 innings. He struck out five while walking none, which signaled that nothing significant troubled him. Bumgarner emphasized that though he wasn't trying to pile up strikeouts, "it definitely doesn't hurt."
Mostly, it was an ordinary day for Bumgarner. He again employed all of his pitches. He continued to build stamina for his March 29 Opening Day assignment against the Dodgers.
The Giants' ace likely will receive four more starts before Opening Day.