Giants' Huff Encouraged With Progress, Plans To Return Monday
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS / AP) -- Aubrey Huff said Friday he is encouraged by his progress dealing with anxiety disorder, and believes he will be ready to return to the field for the San Francisco Giants on Monday when eligible to come off the disabled list.
"I hope so," Huff told The Associated Press. "A lot has been lifted off my chest the last two weeks."
Manager Bruce Bochy has said Huff will be activated on time as long as he is ready both mentally and physically. Huff has been taking batting practice and doing other baseball activities to keep himself sharp while also undergoing treatment for his condition.
With top hitter Pablo Sandoval sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks after undergoing surgery Friday on a broken hamate bone in his right hand, the Giants are short-handed. Bochy believes Huff can give the team a lift when he comes back.
The first baseman and left fielder is batting .182 (6 for 33) with one home run and four RBIs in 12 games this season. He was placed on the 15-day DL on April 25 after leaving the team in New York to attend to personal matters in Florida.
He returned to San Francisco last Friday and issued a statement regarding his issues, thanking fans, media and Giants organization for the "outpouring of support" during what he called a "very difficult week."
Huff said Friday he is now in a better place—and he certainly appears more upbeat and eager to get back to work. He was smiling while stretching out on the grass under sunny skies before pregame warmups at AT&T Park.
"It beats rain and that mist coming down," Huff said with a grin.
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