Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
LOS ANGELES — The news coming out of the Giants’ alternate site Friday ranged from encouraging to intriguing.
Outfielder Hunter Bishop reported to camp after testing positive for COVID-19 in June, the 2019 first-round pick officially entering the pool and joining prospects he’s been eager to see again. Reyes Moronta, coming off labrum surgery, also reported to Sacramento, where his rehab will continue with the Giants hoping a return this year is possible.
And finally, Gabe Kapler confirmed that Joey Bart and Patrick Bailey have been taking ground balls at first, more evidence of the diversity the Giants want in their prospects.
Bishop is “champing at the bit,” Kapler said, the Serra grad having wanted to be at the San Francisco camp but the test results not cooperating.
Moronta, meanwhile, is a wild-card option for the Giants’ bullpen next month, the flamethrower on target for a possible return.
“We’re actively seeking out that possibility,” Kapler said on a Zoom call before the Giants opened a three-game set at Dodger Stadium. “We’re actively pushing toward that, that he becomes an option for us. We think he has enough time.”
The Giants’ bullpen has been at times brilliant and at times painfully inexperienced, Tony Watson and Trevor Gott the lone two with major league resumes. Moronta would be welcomed.
As would future catchers who aren’t strictly catchers.
Bart “had a nice day at the plate yesterday, drove the baseball,” said Kapler, who has repeatedly stated Bart needs to develop further before he debuts. “Also played an inning at first base. He and Pat Bailey have been getting reps there at first base just in practice, trying to get some comfort.”
Bart has gotten reps at first in the past as the team searches for multiple ways to get his bat in the lineup. Eventually, at least.
Further Sacramento updates: Steven Duggar and Andrew Triggs (separately) drove to the alternate camp after they were removed from the taxi squad, the Giants wanting the pair to get more reps in camp.
Jaylin Davis, who has been at the satellite camp since last week, has made “real progress” with his swing, said Kapler, who has been talking daily with farm director Kyle Haines, who runs the camp.
Drew Smyly (left index finger strain) saw Dr. Scott Hansen, the team’s hand specialist.
“Went well. He’s progressing nicely,” said Kapler of the lefty, who will be re-evaluated once the Giants finish a road trip that ends Wednesday.