Madison Bumgarner ahead of schedule, could return Friday

Madison Bumgarner’s 2018 season debut seems to be right around the corner.

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy told reporters on Sunday that the All-Star lefty had a strong rehab outing this week that will likely accelerate his rehab. He also did not rule out the possibility of Bumgarner returning on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, per Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic.

Bruce Bochy acknowledged that Madison Bumgarner’s strong outing yesterday will likely accelerate his rehab plan. Bochy would not rule out Bumgarner returning Friday.

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) May 27, 2018

Bumgarner, the former World Series MVP, is currently on the 60-day disabled list with a fractured left pinky finger he suffered in spring training and has yet to pitch for the Giants this season. The team has gone just 25-27 in his absence, so Bumgarner’s return to the rotation will obviously be a huge boost for them. We have an idea of how he might be celebrating his return too.