SF Giants’ Opening Day roster include Joey Bart, but not Marco Luciano
SAN DIEGO — Joey Bart’s last day in the Giants’ organization hasn’t arrived yet.
Finalizing their Opening Day roster Thursday morning, the Giants opted to carry three catchers, including the former second overall pick. While the team won’t carry three catchers all season, Bart cannot be sent to the minors without passing through waivers and the move potentially increases the chances he goes unclaimed.
By using one of the 26 roster spots on Bart, the Giants will open the season with only 12 pitchers. The group includes Blake Snell, though the recently signed reigning Cy Young winner isn’t expected to pitch until at least the second turn through the rotation.
Also among the pitchers to break camp with the big club was Landen Roupp, who started spring by not even throwing off a mound because of a back injury last year but pitched his way onto the big-league roster, likely as a swingman who can help lighten the load on the rotation that has at least two members — Snell and Keaton Winn — not at full strength to begin the season.
Roupp, 25, and 26-year-old lefty Erik Miller, who had been optioned early in camp, won the final two spots in the bullpen.
What was clear early on in the most intriguing competition this spring — the battle to succeed Brandon Crawford — became official when the roster was set. Top prospect Marco Luciano was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento, along with fellow top prospect Luis Matos, setting up veteran Nick Ahmed to start at shortstop alongside Matt Chapman, as he had in nearly every exhibition since both players arrived.
To create room on the 40-man roster for Ahmed and Roupp, the Giants placed Ethan Small (oblique) on the 60-day injured list and designated utilityman Cooper Hummel for assignment. Alex Cobb (hip) and Sean Hjelle (elbow) were each placed on the 15-day IL, allowing the team to call up Miller after being optioned earlier in camp.
Daulton Jefferies, who looked to have the inside track on a long role out of the bullpen, was reassigned to the minors.
After receiving a warm farewell during the Bay Bridge exhibitions, Pablo Sandoval was released.
San Francisco Giants Opening Day roster
Pitchers (12): RHP Camilo Doval, LHP Kyle Harrison, RHP Jordan Hicks, RHP Luke Jackson, LHP Erik Miller, RHP Tyler Rogers, LHP Taylor Rogers, RHP Landen Roupp, LHP Blake Snell, RHP Ryan Walker, RHP Logan Webb & RHP Keaton Winn
Catchers (3): Patrick Bailey, Joey Bart & Tom Murphy
Infielders (6): Nick Ahmed, Matt Chapman, Thairo Estrada, Tyler Fitzgerald, Wilmer Flores & LaMonte Wade Jr.
Outfielders (5): Michael Conforto, Jung Hoo Lee, Austin Slater, Jorge Soler & Mike Yastrzemski