San Francisco Giants Spring Training | Suzanna Mitchell/San Francisco Giants/GettyImages
The Sacramento River Cats published their initial Triple-A roster ahead of Friday’s opener against the Albuquerque Isotopes. The roster highlights the team’s starting pitching depth, but top SF Giants power-hitting prospect Bryce Eldridge was noticeably absent from the group.
The first reason is that Eldridge has been dealing with a sore wrist and may not be ready for game action to start the year. The second reason could be that he might start the year in Double-A after finishing last season in Triple-A.
The Giants moved Eldridge up to Triple-A after the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ season concluded. This was done to continue getting him live reps while the River Cats were still playing.
Aside from that, Sacramento’s rotation should be pretty full to start the season. Carson Seymour was tabbed as the Opening Day starter in his return to the River Cats. He is coming off of a solid season in which he posted a 4.82 ERA, 5.32 FIP, 1.57 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, and a 2.20 SO/W rate across 29 outings. This includes a solid 53.5 percent ground ball rate as well.
Seymour will likely be followed by a number of pitchers on the 40-man roster such as Carson Ragsdale, Kyle Harrison, and Mason Black. Keaton Winn could see time in the rotation, but with the injuries he has sustained in recent years, a move to the bullpen might be his best bet.
Carson Whisenhunt, who is not on the 40-man roster, will return to Sacramento’s rotation as well. The key for him will be attacking the strike zone more consistently, developing his breaking ball, and building up his arm strength.
The catching contingent will include Max Stassi and Logan Porter. Stassi will likely be the everyday catcher with Porter as the backup. Stassi does have an opt-out in his contract on May 1 and June 1, so this will be something to monitor as the season progresses.
The infield will include Brett Auerbach, Osleivis Basabe, Jake Lamb, Brett Wisely, and Sergio Alcántara. Basabe and Wisely are on the 40-man roster.
Sacramento will carry four outfielders, including Marco Luciano, Grant McCray, and Wade Meckler. Hunter Bishop is also listed as an outfielder, but Luciano, McCray, and Meckler will see the bulk of the reps on defense due to being on the 40-man roster.
