The Rule 5 Draft is on hold due to the MLB lockout, but the minor-league version took place on Wednesday.
It turned out to be quite the newsworthy event as far as the Giants’ organization is concerned. Six of San Francisco’s minor-leaguers were selected by other clubs: LHP Conner Menez, RHP Matt Seelinger, 1B John Nogowski, RHP Caleb Boushley, OF Vince Fernandez and RHP John Duplantier.
The Giants acquired one player themselves, OF Michael Gigliotti from the Rays. Gigliotti was a fourth-round pick by the Royals in 2014, who has yet to make it past high-A ball. His minor-league splits at that level are impressive: .288/.380/.481.
Menez is the only of the selected Giants players that has seen major league action with the club. Menez made 23 appearances for the Giants over the last three years, posting a 4.04 ERA and 1.299 WHIP during that time.
Nogowski has also seen major league action, but during previous stops with the Pirates and Cardinals. Nogowski only had a cup of coffee in Triple-A Sacramento, getting just eight at-bats this season after being signed.
Unlike the MLB Rule 5 draft, there are no roster restrictions or other rules when it comes to MiLB Rule 5 picks. They can be assigned to play at any level in the minors. The selecting team pays $24,500 to the previous team for any selection.