SF Giants catcher Joey Bart returns after stint on the concussion list

The SF Giants welcomed back a familiar face in Joey Bart after a stint on the concussion list. The 25-year-old catcher sustained the concussion after taking a foul ball off of the mask during a game at the end of August.

SF Giants catcher Joey Bart returns after stint on the concussion list

The concussion injured list can be unpredictable due to the nature of the injury, but it was encouraging that he was able to return after missing minimal time. To create room on the active roster, switch-hitting catcher Andrew Knapp was designated for assignment, per the team's transaction page.

The Giants added Knapp on a minor league deal in July after becoming a free agent following a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners. He registered a 1.007 OPS with eight home runs in 102 plate appearances with the Sacramento River Cats before earning a promotion to the major league club.

He recorded one hit in four at-bats with two walks in seven plate appearances in a Giants uniform. If he clears waivers, he will have a choice to remain with Sacramento or become a free agent.

On the other hand, this has been a roller-coaster of a season for Bart. The young backstop began the season as the team's starting catcher, but he was demoted to Triple-A after struggling to the tune of a .596 OPS in 108 plate appearances. The Giants coaching staff challenged Bart with altering his approach at the plate and the early returns have been encouraging.

Since being recalled on July 6, Bart has registered an .803 OPS with six home runs, 14 RBI, and 14 runs in 120 plate appearances. In total, he has slashed .227/.311/.399 (104 wRC+) with 10 home runs, 21 RBI, and 26 runs. This includes a 9.2 percent walk rate against a 36.8 percent strikeout rate. Before he hit the concussion list, he was beginning to look like one of the better young players in baseball.

The Giants wasted no time in getting Bart's bat back in the lineup. The right-handed hitter was slated to bat seventh as he tries to help the Giants add to a four-game winning streak as well as potentiallt secure a series win against the Los Angeles Dodgers.