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SF Giants minor league notes: Luis Hernández's blistering start, Triple-A promotions

Some excitement on the farm
ByJeff Young|
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Apr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A view of a Giants game hat on the dugout steps, with a patch honoring Jackie Robinson during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Apr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A view of a Giants game hat on the dugout steps, with a patch honoring Jackie Robinson during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The most notable game in the SF Giants farm system last week was a 29 - 2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers Arizona Complex League (ACL) club. Luis Hernández and Josuar Gonzalez led the charge in that game, collecting eight combined hits with 13 RBI.

SF Giants minor league notes: Luis Hernández's blistering start, Triple-A promotions

1. Luis Hernández's blistering start in the ACL

The Giants made an aggressive decision by sending Hernández to the ACL to begin his pro career. It was only aggressive because most players his age begin their careers in the Dominican Summer League (DSL).

However, the Giants felt that Hernández was advanced enough as a hitter to skip that level, and he has already rewarded that confidence. The question has already been brought up about whether he might even finish the year in the California League. The ACL season is a short one, consisting of only about 60 games, and is usually done by late July. There is still over a month remaining in the California League season at that point.

The Giants do not have to answer that question today. In the meantime, the right-handed bat is hitting .356/.423/.733 (166 wRC+) with four home runs, 19 RBI, and 10 runs in 52 plate appearances. Josuar Gonzalez has also made a strong case, slashing .440/.563/.680 (208 wRC+) in 33 plate appearances.

2. A pair of promotions to Triple-A

Catcher Drew Cavanaugh and middle infielder Aeverson Arteaga earned promotions to the Sacramento River Cats. Cavanaugh has arguably been one of the Giants' best hitters in the minors since the start of 2025.

This promotion might also be a sign that Jesús Rodríguez will remain with the Giants for now. Before Cavanaugh's promotion, Sacramento was light on catching depth and had to pull from other affiliates to fill that void. Cavanaugh is more of a primary catcher rather than a rental from another club.

The left-handed bat put up a .970 OPS with three home runs and 12 RBI in 90 plate appearances with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. This includes a very healthy 18.9 percent walk rate.

On the other hand, Aeverson Arteaga has been a pleasant surprise in the minors this year. He had a promising season for the Eugene Emeralds in 2023, but underwent Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery in 2024. It takes a long time for players to regain their pre-surgery form, and that was true for Arteaga.

With Richmond, the right-handed bat posted an .895 OPS with two home runs and 12 RBI in 77 plate appearances. His profile leans on athleticism, modest power upside and defensive versatility.

Arteaga headlined the Giants' 2019 international signing class, earning a $1 million signing bonus out of Venezuela. The Giants also signed Onil Perez and Adrián Sugastey during that cycle.

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