Aubrey Huff nearing possible Minor League rehab

SAN FRANCISCO -- Aubrey Huff returned to the Giants before Monday's game against the Dodgers, and manager Bruce Bochy said the 35-year-old Huff will work out in the weight room and is close to returning to the team.

Huff has been sidelined since Matt Cain's June 13 perfect game, when Huff sprained his right knee when he fell during postgame celebrations.
"I talked to him a little bit today, and he's doing a lot better," Bochy said. "He's getting close, and he's able to do some stuff now. He's making a lot of improvement."

Counting Monday's game, Huff has missed 11 games since being placed on the disabled list with the knee injury, and Bochy said a Minor League rehab assignment will be likely.

"We really haven't talked about it, but I do think it'll be a good idea for him because he's missed so much time," Bochy said. "That's something Aubrey and I need to talk about."

Huff, who was also on the DL earlier this season with anxiety disorder, is batting .155 this season in 58 at-bats with only four extra-base hits and five RBIs, but Bochy said Huff will continue to have a role as a left-handed bat off the bench.

"That's the plan right now -- have him available for the occasional start, have him come off the bench and bring experience," Bochy said. "Being a [former] DH gives him experience coming off the bench and being a pinch-hitter. It also gives us depth, and if something happens where he's swinging well, we'll have another proven bat to put in the lineup."


(mlb.com)