Joey Bart removed from San Jose Giants game after being hit by pitch

Joey Bart has given Giants fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the future, but on Monday, he gave them a reason to hold their collective breath.

The catcher, who has been on a tear for the High-A San Jose Giants, was removed from a game against the Stockton Ports in the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch.

According to San Jose play-by-play broadcaster Joe Ritzo, it appeared to cause Bart significant pain.

Joey Bart leaves the game tonight after getting hit by a pitch. Looked to hit him on hand/wrist area. Umpire ruled it a foul ball. It’s a cold, damp night here in San Jose. Bart was in obvious pain.
— Joe Ritzo (@JoeRitzo) April 16, 2019

Bart entered Monday with a .250/.325/.528 slash line, two home runs and eight RBI, and that caught the attention of the big-league club.

"You can't help but notice," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of Bart last week. "I get reports. He's really playing great baseball.

"I talked to [San Jose manager] Billy Hayes yesterday, and he said he's playing great on both sides. He's swinging the bat well, but catching is where he's really shining. We've got a good one here, and he's doing what he should be doing."