We finally have a precise date for Madison Bumgarner to play catch for the first time. It's Friday, manager Bruce Bochy said. That would be 53 days after he separated his pitching shoulder and bruised some ribs in a dirt-bike accident in Denver.
Once Bumgarner actually graduates to competition, he will need five rehab starts. So, basically, Spring Training II. The Giants will not see Bumgarner until after the All-Star break.
Their more immediate concern is Johnny Cueto's blisters and facing knuckleballer R.A. Dickey on Sunday.
As to Cueto, Bochy said he watched his right-hander throw a bullpen Friday and decided he was good to go.