SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants offered no assurances to Joey Bart at the beginning of camp, making it clear that the 26-year-old catcher would have to compete this spring for both a roster spot and playing time.
It’s still early, but Bart seems to be responding well to the challenge.
Bart continued his hot start in Cactus League play by going 2-for-2 with a double and a home run Tuesday afternoon in the Giants’ 7-5 loss to the Padres at Scottsdale Stadium. He is 3-for-4 with three extra-base hits and two RBIs through his first two exhibition games of the spring, keeping him at the forefront of the four-way catching competition.
“One thing I’ll say about Joey is that he doesn’t back down from a challenge,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “One thing we can do is go back to the beginning of camp and know that the messaging that we gave him isn’t making him uncomfortable.
“He’s going up there with a plan. He’s already made some adjustments that I’m sure he feels good about, and we feel good about. And he’s been fantastic behind the plate — a real focused look from Joey so far. We just want him to keep it up.”
Bart doubled off the right-field wall in the third inning and then slugged a solo shot out to left in the fifth. Bart, who laced an RBI double in his Cactus League debut against the Cubs on Sunday, said he worked on condensing his swing over the offseason to help him stay on the fastball and not get caught in between.
“I’m just excited to compete,” Bart said. “It’s that time of the year to get back out there and come out and play hard. Whatever happens out there, it is what it is. I’m just coming to play hard and trying to do my best. That’s what I’m going to continue to do.”
Bart also impressed on the defensive end, especially when he flashed his strong arm by picking off Padres third baseman Tim Lopes from second base for the final out of the top of the fifth. The Giants have been encouraging their catchers to put a greater emphasis on back picks this spring, as pitchers will be limited to two disengagements (pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance as part of Major League Baseball’s rule changes for 2023.
“He was good behind the plate,” Kapler said. “Obviously, that back pick at second base was a rocket ship. It was a perfect strike. As you can see, we’re emphasizing back picks, and one reason is because it’s one of the few levers we can pull to control the running game with…
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