Hunter

Pence

Pence was originally in the lineup playing left and batting seventh, but now that will be Gregor Blanco. No reason has been given yet as to why Pence was scratched, and we’ll update you with why the outfielder gets the day off when that information becomes available.

Pence was released by the Giants in late August, and at 37 years old he has decided to hang it up. The announcement marks the end of a 14-year career that saw Pence make four All-Star teams and garner MVP votes in four different seasons. The outfielder’s on-field accomplishments were vast -- including helping lead the Giants to two World Series titles -- but his off-field demeanor and fun-loving attitude will be remembered as much or more than anything. Baseball is losing a great player and person, but hopefully Pence finds a role in the sport even now that his playing days are over.

It’s just a paper move, as he’ll almost certainly be officially released soon. Pence was designated for assignment over the weekend after batting just .096/.161/.250 with 15 strikeouts over 56 plate appearances in his return to San Francisco. It’s fair to wonder if this is the end of the road for the 37-year-old.

Pence had a surprising bounce-back season in 2019, but he really struggled to gain any traction in 2020 with just five hits in 52 at-bats. The Giants understandably want to see what they have with their younger players.

Pence ignited the Giants’ late-inning four-run rally by crushing a pinch-hit, three-run homer -- his first round-tripper of the season -- to right field off Astros lefty reliever Blake Taylor in the seventh inning. He also singled in the ninth off closer Ryan Pressly. The 37-year-old outfielder has been a complete non-factor offensively in limited playing time for the Giants, but he certainly came through in the clutch in this one.

Pence, a surprise All-Star for the Rangers last year, is 0-for-21 with no walks and six strikeouts. He’s also already grounded into as many double plays this year (two) that he did in 316 plate appearances last season. The Giants might as well remain patient for now, but if things don’t get better over the next 7-10 days, a role reduction will be warranted.

Pence has dealt with a foot injury, but he’s feeling well enough to be in the lineup at DH; a position he should be at several times during this truncated season. The full lineup for the Giants against Dustin May on Thursday: Mike Yastrzemski CF, Wilmer Flores 3B, Pablo Sandoval 1B, Alex Dickerson LF, Pence DH, Joe McCarthy RF, Mauricio Dubon 2B, Brandon Crawford SS, Tyler Heineman C and Johnny Cueto on the mound.

Pence is not yet ready to play the field as he works his way back from inflammation in his right foot. The good news is he’s able to hit, and with the designated hitter spot coming to the National League, that’s mostly what he’ll be asked to do.

That’s all the MRI showed, which is good news. Pence has been cleared to resume hitting at Giants summer camp in San Francisco, and he’ll just hold off on running for a little bit. The 37-year-old revitalized his career last season with the Rangers and projects to open the 2020 campaign as the Giants’ primary DH.

The foot has apparently been bothering Pence for a while, maybe before he arrived at summer camp workouts in San Francisco. The results of the MRI should be available by the end of the day Friday.