Fansided

San Francisco Giants Madison Bumgarner out until August

By Jake Goldstein-Street

Apr 13, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) throws to the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco Giants will have to wait even longer for their ace, Madison Bumgarner, to return to the rotation.

According to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle, Bumgarner’s return to the San Francisco Giants has been pushed back to early August. The four-time All-Star suffered a Grade 2 shoulder sprain in late April in a dirt bike accident in Colorado.

Originally, Bumgarner was expected to return to the team in late July.

Bumgarner spoke with Carl Steward of the Mercury News about his regret for the decision to go dirt biking in hindsight:

"“Obviously, it was not my intentions when we set out to enjoy the off day. I realize that’s definitely not the most responsible decision I’ve made. It sucks not being able to be out here with my guys.”"

Following the injury, it appeared the Giants’ deep rotation, which included Jeff Samardzija, Matt Cain and Johnny Cueto, could tide them over until Bumgarner’s return.

However, the loss of their ace has left the Giants in shambles this season. The team’s overall ERA is a lackluster 4.58, which is 24th in Major League Baseball. As a result, the Giants are last in the National League West and sit 10 games behind the division-leading Rockies.

Before succumbing to injury, the 2014 World Series MVP had a 3.00 ERA through four quality starts. Bumgarner was also a force on the offensive side of the plate. In just seven at bats, he had two solo home runs.

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Taking it slow is the best approach, but the San Francisco Giants need Bumgarner back if they want to contend.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy told Pat Graham of the Associated Press he hoped the 27-year-old could make a full recovery:

“Our focus, it’s on, ‘Let’s get him healthy.’ It’s happened. Let’s get him well and get him back on the mound.

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