Thu 9/15/11 9:54 AM

Nate Schierholtz (foot) hopes to remove his protective boot and take batting practice before the season is over. Schierholtz hasn't played since August 21 due to a hairline fracture in his right foot. Giants manager Bruce Bochy hasn't ruled out the possibility that he could return during the final home series of the season, but that all depends on how much progress he makes in the coming days.