Eugene Emeralds receive reinforcements as SF Giants announce wave of prospect promotions

The SF Giants announced three promotions on Thursday. And then, they announced several more promotions after that. Notably, Thomas Gavello, Hayden Wynja, Daniel Blair, and Matt Higgins are being moved from San Jose to Eugene according to the team's transaction log.

Eugene Emeralds receive reinforcements as SF Giants announce wave of prospect promotions

San Jose lost five players in Thursday's wave of promotions. However, they will receive some reinforcements as well as pitcher Wilkelma Castillo and middle infielder Justin Bench were moved up from the Rookie League.

All of the players earned the promotions they received on Thursday. The second wave of promotions was notable as Gavello was a 2022 pick.

Gavello was a 13th-round pick out of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. As a college bat, it is little surprise to see him thrive in Low-A. He registered a .249/.408/.468 line with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, and 47 runs in 263 plate appearances.

This includes a solid 11.4 percent walk rate against a 26.6 percent strikeout rate. The left-handed bat has been able to augment his on-base percentage by being hit 26 times so far in 2023. The Giants have been experimenting with him at catcher while he has also seen time at second base and third base.

On the other hand, Higgins was one of the more consistent hitters in San Jose's lineup. The Giants signed him to a minor-league deal after last year's draft. The lefty hitter slashed .309/.400/.492 with nine home runs, 51 RBI, and 50 runs in 301 plate appearances. He has seen time at the corner outfield spots as well as first base.

Similar to Higgins, both Wynja and Blair were both signed to minor-league deals after last year's draft. Wynja had anchored a young San Jose rotation as he tallied a 3.98 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, and a 3.78 SO/W ratio in 19 appearances, including eight starts.

Blair has been stellar out of the Giants' bullpen. He had a 2.05 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, and a 2.50 SO/W ratio in 18 appearances. This includes two saves. Thursday's moves represented a continued aggressive approach for midseason promotions from the organization. And, it is a promising sign to see.