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Giants notes: Outfielder Hunter Pence not starting vs. Rockies with tight back, expected to start Friday

SAN FRANCISCO _ Right fielder Hunter Pence was out of the lineup against the Colorado Rockies Thursday night , but manager Bruce Bochy said it was nothing to be concerned about.

“He’s got a tight back,” Bochy said. “He coudl play tonight, but I was going to give him a day here son. Why risk it right now?”With Pence out of the lineup, Gregor Blanco drew the start in right field with Matt Williamson starting in left.

Bochy said Pence would be available for pinch-hitting duty and would start Friday

— Second baseman Joe Panik, who missed the last five games with a groin strain, did some pre-game running, hit in the batting cage, and Bochy said he expects him back in the lineup Friday.