Giants’ Joe Panik in a New York state of mind
Giants’ Joe Panik in a New York state of mind
SAN DIEGO - When the Giants’ schedule was released, Joe Panik quickly made note of the games at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.
“It brings back some childhood memories,” said Panik, who grew up an hour north of the Bronx and was a big Derek Jeter fan.
Panik was looking forward to facing the Red Sox and Yankees, but his concussion has kept him out since late June, and he’s not expected to begin a rehab assignment until Sunday or Monday.
The Giants play in Boston Tuesday and Wednesday and open a three-game set in New York on Friday.
[...] health comes first.
When I come back, I want to hit the ground running.
Panik played at Fenway in a Cape Cod League All-Star Game but never at Yankee Stadium.
In the same breath, Panik looked at Brandon Crawford’s locker and said, I see a lot of that in 35 over there.
Panik passed concussion tests with Giants doctors and is waiting for the go-ahead from MLB and the union.
Hunter Pence will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento, playing five innings both Saturday and Sunday in Round Rock, Texas.
Matt Cain had a rough outing with Class A San Jose at Lancaster, giving up nine runs on 10 hits and three walks in four innings.
John Shea is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
Former Giants pitcher Masanori Murakami, who in the ‘60s became the majors’ first Japanese player, visited the clubhouse before the game.