Bart ‘doesn’t back down’ from challenge, rips homer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants supplied no assurances to Joey Bart at first of camp, making it clear that the 26-year-old catcher must compete this spring for each a roster spot and enjoying time. 

It’s nonetheless early, however Bart appears to be responding effectively to the problem.

Bart continued his scorching begin in Cactus League play by going 2-for-2 with a double and a house run Tuesday afternoon within the Giants’ 7-5 loss to the Padres at Scottsdale Stadium. He is 3-for-4 with three extra-base hits and two RBIs by means of his first two exhibition video games of the spring, maintaining him on the forefront of the four-way catching competitors.

“One thing I’ll say about Joey is that he doesn’t back down from a challenge,” supervisor Gabe Kapler mentioned. “One factor we are able to do is return to the start 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 within the third inning after which slugged a solo shot out to left within the fifth. Bart, who laced an RBI double in his Cactus League debut towards the Cubs on Sunday, mentioned he labored on condensing his swing over the offseason to assist him keep on the fastball and never get caught in between. 

“I’m just excited to compete,” Bart mentioned. “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 additionally impressed on the defensive finish, particularly when he flashed his sturdy arm by choosing off Padres third baseman Tim Lopes from second base for the ultimate out of the highest of the fifth. The Giants have been encouraging their catchers to place a higher emphasis on again picks this spring, as pitchers can be restricted to 2 disengagements (pickoff makes an attempt or step-offs) per plate look as a part of Major League Baseball’s rule modifications for 2023. 

“He was good behind the plate,” Kapler mentioned. “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 the disengagement rule.”