MILWAUKEE -- Madison Bumgarner is progressing in his recovery, but he is still far from the finish line, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday.
Bumgarner, who is nursing bruised ribs and a left shoulder strain, has not experienced any setbacks since he began throwing flat-ground sessions on May 29.
"I talked to him [Monday] and I said 'Be honest. How are you feeling?' And he said 'You know, it starts out and I feel it a little bit but as I go, it goes away and I feel really good,' which is pretty much the norm," Bochy said. "You know you're kind of starting over just like you are in Spring Training. The difference is you're dealing with an injury. So no setbacks and he's progressing just like we thought."
Bumgarner threw 45 easy catches from 45-60 feet on Tuesday and 75 feet on Wednesday. He will continue throwing on flat ground until he has built up enough strength to throw a bullpen session. From there, he's expected to make five rehab starts.
"We're just going to build up some arm strength," Bochy said. "I can't give you a day when he's going to throw off the mound yet. He's getting closer. He still has some work ahead of him. He's weeks away from getting back on the mound here with us."
Progress for Parker
Like Bumgarner, Giants left fielder Jarrett Parker's return from the 60-day DL is on the right track. Parker underwent right clavicle surgery in April and is close to being ready for a rehab start, Bochy said. He will be re-evaluated when the Giants return home from their seven-game road trip on Friday.
"This is not a Hunter Pence rehab by any means," Bochy said. "He's going to need a lot of at-bats with the time he's missed and we definitely are going to make sure that he's ready. Not just physically, but his timing and everything, including the outfield work. He's a ways away."
Parker was batting .143 (3-for-21) over nine games before he was placed on the DL. Bochy said he thinks there's still time for the 28-year-old to make something of the season.
"I thought he was getting a little more comfortable," Bochy said. "I think there's plenty of time. We're a third of the way through the season. He'll be back, I'm guessing, before we're halfway."
Gillaspie set back by flu
Outfielder Conor Gillaspie, who is on the 10-day DL with back spasms, has the flu and cannot partake in any activity. His wife was supposed to have a baby Monday, but the delivery was put off until Thursday because Gillaspie couldn't enter the hospital, Bochy said.
Gillapsie completed a rehab assignment with San Jose on June 3, going 2-for-5 with a walk and a run scored in two games.