Bonds rejoins Giants for Braves series

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Barry Bonds returned to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday after missing the weekend series in Montreal to be with his ailing father, Bobby, who has lung cancer.

"My dad wants everybody to know that he thanks them all for their support," Barry Bonds said. "With God willing, he's going to try and come out to the game [Wednesday]."

Barry Bonds was greeted in the clubhouse with a hug from San Francisco manager Felipe Alou. He spoke in subdued tones to a pool reporter.

"Unfortunately, he's in a real fight with this cancer right now," Barry Bonds said. "He wishes he could be here on a regular basis."

Bonds said his father will try to appear in front of the crowd before Wednesday's game.

"It was important for me to be there with my dad at this time," said Bonds, who said Bobby was resting at home. "It's also important for me to be here as well. I'll do the best I can to do both. I just hope everyone understands."

Bonds began the night with a major league-leading 37 homers.

Before the game against Atlanta, San Francisco Giants activated shortstop Rich Aurilia and right-handed pitcher Felix Rodriguez from the 15-day disabled list.

Aurilia had been out since Aug. 4 following an emergency appendectomy.

"There are no problems with Rich," Giants trainer Stan Conti said. "He's doing fine."

The Giants optioned shortstop Cody Ransom and left-handed pitcher Chad Zerbe to Fresno of the Pacific Coast League after Monday's 4-0 loss to the Montreal Expos.

Rodriguez had been on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain.

"He needed rest more than anything," Conti said. "He has no restrictions."