Duggar, Jones cleared for next step in recovery

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Steven Duggar and Ryder Jones continue to take steps forward in their rehab, as they were both cleared to take batting practice on the field Friday for the first time since their September surgeries.
Duggar underwent surgery to repair a torn left labrum, while Jones required an operation to fix a dislocated left patella.
"We'll go to day to day with them, but they're good to go," manager Bruce Bochy said. "They're doing everything."
:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::
Duggar's progress is particularly encouraging, as the Giants envision him starting in center field and serving as a key tablesetter for the offense this season.
"I think you look at the top of the order, that's the first spot you think about," Bochy said when asked where he sees Duggar fitting into the lineup. "How they play and how it's going sometimes will dictate where you put them. He's a good leadoff hitter. We backed him up to break him in last year. I'm hoping he's ready to assume that role, one of the top two spots."
Duggar, 25, led off eight games for the Giants in 2018, going 8-for-36 with three doubles and three RBIs.
Worth noting
• Giants pitchers, with the exception of newly acquired reliever Trevor Gott, received a day off from throwing bullpen sessions on Friday.
"We just feel we have plenty of time to get these guys ready," Bochy said. "That's why they get a free day today."
• The Giants have signed veteran outfielder Craig Gentry to a Minor League deal. Gentry will not be in big league camp, but president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said he will likely make some appearances in Cactus League games this spring.