Evan Longoria on fast track to return to Giants as he rehabs hand injury

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OAKLAND — The Giants played one of their best all-around games of the season on Friday night. The organization’s success wasn’t limited to the big leagues, though. 

Evan Longoria had two hits and played five innings without incident in his first rehab start. Longoria will play seven innings Saturday and could play nine on Sunday. It’s an aggressive rehab schedule, and one that could have him on track to return Tuesday in Seattle. The Giants certainly could use the boost. They’re facing James Paxton, one of the best lefties in the majors, and Longoria has a .882 OPS against left-handed pitching. 

Bochy said Longoria’s fractured pinky felt fine on Friday night. The Giants are able to be aggressive with his rehab because there’s no concern about re-injury on the field, as there would be for a hamstring or groin or something similar. 

“It was a nice first start for him,” Bochy said. “He swung the bat well. He felt great.”

--- Joe Panik isn’t far behind, and like Longoria, he could be in Seattle. He won’t be active, though. Panik (strained groin) ran the curves on Saturday afternoon and will continue to run sprints in Seattle next week. He could start a rehab assignment as soon as Thursday. Panik said the pain disappeared a few days ago, and now it’s just about trusting that the groin will not act up again when he lets loose. 

--- Hunter Strickland played catch for the first time since punching a door at AT&T Park. Strickland is on pace to be ready in about three weeks, but the Giants cannot activate him until August 18. They placed him on the 60-day DL to clear a roster spot. 

--- Brandon Belt was back after missing just one game on the paternity list. That meant a trip back to Triple-A for Ryder Jones, who certainly made an impact with one night of action. 

--- Austin Slater is still around, and he’s scheduled to get a start on Sunday. Buster Posey likely will be the DH, a sign that the hip injection helped. 

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