RADIO
Hunter Pence, the only player in the MLB to play in every game for the past two seasons, will miss six to eight weeks after being hit by a pitch in Thursday's exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs.
Pence was hit on the left forearm by Cubs prospect Corey Black late in the sixth inning. The three-time All-Star went to the ground for a few moments before slowly walking to first base. He immediately headed for the clubhouse, clutching his ailing arm. X-Rays confirmed the broken left ulna, one of the two bones that make up the forearm, before the game's end.
With Pence sidelined, and Pablo Sandoval traded away during the offseason, the Giants Opening Day roster will look very different than in years past. Pence has been one of team's heroes both during his amazing postseason campaigns in 2012 and 2014, as well as his team-leading regular season efforts. Since his Giants debut in 2012, Pence has led the club in hits (406), HR (54), and RBI (218).
San Francisco will surely miss one of its most crucial bats in the middle of the lineup to start off the season. Sporting a .271/.328/.452 line in two plus seasons with the Giants, Pence has been indispensable in bringing two titles to the city during his tenure.
Fortunately for San Francisco supporters, the club acquired some extra outfield help during the offseason. Manager Bruce Bochy said that he will continue to use new additions like Norichika Aoki and Justin Maxwell to fill the hole left by Pence in right field. Alongside Gregor Blanco and Juan Perez, the Giants should have a solid set of options in the outfield until Pence's return.
