Recent SF Giants trade acquisition earns well-deserved promotion to Triple-A

Infield prospect Christian Koss impressed during his brief time with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. On Wednesday, the Giants moved him up to Sacramento, per the team's transaction log.

Recent SF Giants trade acquisition earns well-deserved promotion to Triple-A

The Giants made a couple of other moves in Richmond as well. The first was new lefty pitcher Kolton Ingram being optioned to Double-A. This was likely a function of the Giants being on a six-game road trip on the East Coast. If they need an extra pitcher, Ingram will be a short trip away.

The 27-year-old pitcher has a 3.28 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 10.8 K/8, and a 2.51 SO/W ratio in parts of five seasons in the minors. This includes a 4.10 ERA in 21 outings split between four Triple-A affiliates including the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and now the Giants. In addition to this, outfielder Ryan McKenna was sent to Double-A as well.

To create room on Richmond's roster, they released minor league infielder Brady Whalen. The Giants re-signed him in May as organizational depth in the upper minors was being tested due to a number of injuries to the major league roster. The left-handed bat posted a .487 OPS with one home run and 11 RBI in 149 plate appearances split between Double-A and Triple-A.

Christian Koss has arguably been Richmond's best hitter in limited action this season. The Giants acquired the infield prospect in a minor trade with the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations on Opening Day.

The 26-year-old missed some time earlier this season after spending time on the injured list. When he was healthy, he slashed .386/.453/.627 (198 wRC+) with two home runs, 21 RBI, and 16 runs in 96 plate appearances in a pitcher-friendly Eastern League.

For Koss, this will be his second stint in Triple-A. He reached the highest minor league level with the Red Sox last season, but struggled to the tune of a .636 OPS with just one home run in 124 plate appearances.

In the field, Koss has experience at a handful of positions, most notably up the middle at both shortstop and second base. He appeared at shortstop in his first game with the Sacramento River Cats.