The Giants might have just gotten better. For now, they've at least received some good news.

Manager Bruce Bochy told reporters on Friday that third baseman Evan Longoria could return as soon as Sunday. The 33-year-old was placed on the 10-day IL with plantar fascitis on July 15.

Before Longoria suffered the injury, he was putting up impressive numbers as he hit six homers in his last nine games -- a big part of the beginning of the Giants' successes that has the team sitting just 2 1/2 games out of an NL wild-card spot.

In additional infielder updates, second baseman Joe Panik was taking grounders during Friday's batting practice ... at third base.

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Perhaps the change of scenery could do Panik well. In his last eight games, he's slashing .111/.158/.167 with just two hits.

The Giants acquired 2018 All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett from the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday and he will get the start on Friday against the Rockies. Bochy said the lefty bat will be getting most of the starting time at the position.