SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants are sending their top prospect straight to big league camp.
Joey Bart was among 18 players invited to big league camp as non-roster invitees, the club announced Thursday. Bart will be joined by Shaun Anderson, the club’s top pitching prospect.
Anderson is one of nine pitchers invited to camp. The others are: Jamie Callahan, Enderson Franco, Kieran Lovegrove, Conner Menez, Carlos Navas, Keyvius Sampson, Garrett Williams and Sam Wolff. Anderson should be the next starter in line to hit the big leagues.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
[RELATED: Bart named Giants' No. 29 prospect]
Bart is one of three catchers, along with Hamlet Marte and Cameron Rupp, who has the most big league experience of the bunch. Four infielders were invited: Zachary Green, Levi Michael, Donovan Solano and Ryan Howard, a shortstop who could be up this season.
There were only two outfielders invited. Anthony Garcia, a former A’s prospect, will be in camp alongside Henry Ramos, who is Heliot’s brother.
Bart tore up rookie ball after getting drafted second overall and will start this season at High-A San Jose. He should see plenty of significant action early in camp. The Giants like to have their young catchers work with veterans like Madison Bumgarner when they get to Scottsdale Stadium, and Bart currently doesn’t have a lot of completion for spring reps. Buster Posey is rehabbing after hip surgery and Aramis Garcia is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster.