SAN FRANCISCO -- The schedule of activities that conceivably will lead Madison Bumgarner back to the Major Leagues changed again Tuesday, when Giants manager Bruce Bochy said that the ace left-hander might need as many as three Minor League injury rehabilitation starts before he's ready to return to the Majors.
Previously, one rehab start reportedly had been prescribed for Bumgarner, then two. Tuesday, however, Bochy pointed out that the trio of outings will help Bumgarner elevate his pitch count and his stamina along with it.
Bumgarner, the four-time All-Star and hero of the 2014 postseason, has not pitched since his throwing hand was fractured by a line drive on March 23.
Bochy said that Bumgarner is tentatively scheduled to pitch to hitters, most likely in a round of extra batting practice, on May 22 in Houston. That would be followed by Bumgarner's initial rehab start with the Giants' Triple-A Sacramento affiliate on May 26 against Albuquerque. From that point, Bumgarner's progress would be judged on a day-to-day and game-to-game basis.
Thus, his timetable could change yet again.
• Bochy said that outfielder Mac Williamson (concussion) soon could be ready to begin a rehab stint. However, the number of games Williamson might need to play himself back into big league shape is uncertain.
"He's missed a little more time than we thought he would," Bochy explained.
• Wednesday, when the Giants and Reds conclude their three-game series, looms as a possible off-day for shortstop Brandon Crawford, despite his torrid hitting (.412 in his previous 13 games, entering Tuesday). It'll be a day game following a night game, providing an optimal opportunity for Crawford to rest his sore back.