SF Giants promote top infield prospect Casey Schmitt

The fusion of young talent might finally be taking place for the SF Giants as they selected the contract of Casey Schmitt on Tuesday according to the team's transaction log. Unfortunately, Darin Ruf was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot.

SF Giants promote top infield prospect Casey Schmitt

We were just looking at how Ruf might be able to fit on the active roster given J.D. Davis' improved defense. There is a chance that the veteran bat remains with the club if he clears waivers and accepts an assignment to Triple-A.

It was a brief return for Ruf, who collected six hits in 23 at-bats with four walks against nine strikeouts. He was excellent for San Francisco from 2020 - 2021, but his production dipped considerably last year before he was shipped to the New York Mets. Despite his struggles, the 36-year-old still has a knack for hitting left-handed pitching.

Giants fans have been eager to see Schmitt at Oracle Park for a few seasons now. He was originally selected by San Francisco in the second round out of San Diego University. Schmitt served as the team's third baseman and closer in college, but shifted strictly to the infield once he became a pro.

If you are wondering how he has such a strong arm, pitching does wonders for arm strength. The 24-year-old prospect was known for his glove as he won a minor league Gold Glove award at the hot corner in each of the last two seasons.

However, the right-handed bat took another step forward last year as he registered a .293/.365/.489 line with 21 home runs, 78 RBI, and 72 runs in 526 plate appearances. This included a 9.1 percent walk rate and a 22.8 percent strikeout rate. Schmitt began the 2022 season in High-A and finished in Triple-A. That is progress.

Despite a strong spring training, Schmitt returned to Triple-A to start the season. He posted a .762 OPS with one home run in 145 plate appearances before his promotion. Schmitt has seen more time at shortstop recently and even begun to see time at second base as a way to prepare for a major league role.

Tuesday night will be one that Schmitt never forgets as he blasted his first home run in just his second career at-bat.