San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner might return later than expected

San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner, who injured his throwing shoulder in a dirt bike accident last month, might return later than expected.

The Giants expect Bumgarner will begin playing catch late in May and could be pitching for them in early August, according to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The left-handed Bumgarner was diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of his shoulder and was expected to miss at least three months, tentatively scheduled to return around the July 10-13 All-Star break.

Bumgarner sustained bruised ribs and the sprained AC joint in his pitching shoulder in the April 20 off-day accident in Colorado.

Bumgarner said he regretted the decision to ride trail bikes in the mountains outside of Denver with two family members.

"It's terrible," Bumgarner said last month. "Obviously, it was not my intention when we set out to enjoy the off day. I realize that's definitely not the most responsible decision I've made. It sucks not being able to be out here with my guys."

The 27-year-old Bumgarner has been getting in his work at the ballpark before games. He is 0-3 with a 3.00 ERA in four starts this season.