SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Despite a cast on his left arm, the perennially optimistic Hunter Pence arrived upbeat in the San Francisco clubhouse on Friday.

The Giants outfielder is expected to miss six to eight weeks after a pitch by Chicago Cubs prospect Corey Black fractured his left forearm on Thursday.

“I heal pretty fast, generally, usually quicker than I’m supposed to,” Pence said.

Black, a 23-year-old who spent last season in Double-A reached out to Pence on Twitter and apologized, saying he hopes the star heals quickly.

Pence has played in 383 consecutive games — the longest active streak in the majors — since the Giants got him in a trade from Philadelphia in July 2012. The string is all but over with the World Series champions set to open April 6 at Arizona.

Minus the 31-year-old Pence, the Giants could start the season with an outfield of newcomer Nori Aoki, Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco.

Juan Perez, who hit .170 in 61 games last season, started in Pence’s right field spot Friday against Texas. Justin Maxwell and Gary Brown are in the mix, too.

“I talked to Aoki. We’re going to take a look at him for some games there. For me, that’s going to be the way,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “I did talk to him. He’s got more experience playing in right field. With our right field, a lot of ground there, but he’s got the speed to do it.”



Petit perfect,
Giants beat Rangers

Giants 12, Rangers 3

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Yusmeiro Petit started off with two perfect innings, Travis Ishikawa got three hits and drove in two runs, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Texas Rangers 12-3 Friday.

Petit set a major league record last year retiring 46 consecutive batters over an eight-game stretch.

“I try to command my pitches, especially the first two games,” he said. “I’m working on my pitches on both sides of the plate. Velocity just comes in the future games.”

Petit made 12 starts and 27 relief appearances last year, and likely will open this season in the bullpen.

“I’m ready for any job,” Petit said.

Ishikawa hit a two-run triple in a five-run second, which Matt Duffy led off with a home run.



Graveman throws
 2 scoreless innings

Athletics 7, D’backs 2

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kendall Graveman is off to a solid start in his bid to make the Oakland Atheltics’ season-opening rotation.

After rocketing through the minors last season with Toronto, the 24-year-old right-hander gave up two hits in two scoreless innings Friday in the A’s 7-2 victory over Arizona, his first big-league spring training appearance.

“No nervousness, just a little bit extra adrenaline,” he said.

Graveman was in Toronto’s minor league camp a year ago.

“I threw 21 innings last spring training and I felt great,” he said. “I think that’s kind of where it all started, to go out there and have some success in my first spring training and just keep it rolling.”

He began last season at Class A Lansing and had stops at all four Toronto minor league levels before making five relief appearances for the Blue Jays.