ST. LOUIS — San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence will undergo surgery for a right hamstring injury and is likely to be out eight weeks.
"The good news is there’s going to be a lot of season left to play when I come back," Pence said Friday before the NL West leaders played the Cardinals. "So there’s a lot to look forward to. That is exciting."
Pence said he felt the hamstring pop running to first base trying to beat out an infield grounder on Wednesday. He was helped off the field.
Pence said he was told he had a 50-50 chance of returning if he skipped surgery and just did rehabilitation work. But if he did that and re-injured himself, the recovery time would be longer.
"It just makes sense to be 100 per cent certain," Pence said. "It’s also supposed to get you back quicker."
The surgery has not yet been scheduled. Pence said three doctors weighed in on the injury.
The 33-year-old Pence was also told the surgery was fairly routine. He said it was a relief to know what was ahead of him.
It’s the second right hamstring injury in two weeks for Pence. He topped the team with 36 RBIs and was second with seven home runs going into the series at St. Louis.
Jarrett Parker started in right field and batted eighth against the Cardinals. Mac Williamson also could get starts in right.
