SF Giants have tough decision looming as rookie catcher Susac nears return

SAN FRANCISCO - The Giants' catching situation has become far more complex in recent weeks, and the team will have to make an interesting decision about it as early as next week.

Rookie Daniel Susac, a Rule 5 Draft pick, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, going 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs as the designated hitter. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, rookie Jesus Rodriguez got another start over the struggling Patrick Bailey and veteran Eric Haase on Friday night.

If Susac's rehab goes smoothly, the Giants have an intriguing choice to make: Which catcher do they remove from the mix?

San Francisco should have a little time to make a decision. Manager Tony Vitello said before Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates that Susac should be ready to return during the team's upcoming three-city road trip against the Dodgers, A's and Diamondbacks, but added that Susac likely won't join the team in Los Angeles (May 11-14).

"I don't care what hitter it is other than Barry Bonds, I don't think you can take anything to the bank offensively because there's going to be ups and downs offensively, but what you want is quality at-bats or a competitive at-bat. I really think with his approach and his mindset, you get a good at-bat every time," Vitello said of Susac, who was 11-for-23 before hitting the injured list with right elbow ulnar neuritis.

The simplest move to maintain the three-catcher structure appears to be designating Haase for assignment.

Haase, 33, has appeared in only four games, and the Giants would likely want to prioritize Rodriguez and Susac, their two rookies, and Bailey, their two-time Gold Glove Award winner. That said, Haase has nearly 400 games in the majors under his belt and has even played the outfield.

Rodriguez could, in theory, be optioned, but the rookie has provided an instant jolt of offense since being called up, so far going 4-for-9 with a home run and two RBIs. He's also capable of playing all over the diamond, making a start in right field on Wednesday to get his bat in the lineup (though he wasn't able to make a crucial catch that resulted in a go-ahead two-run triple).

"At any point we start a day or start a series, we're just looking to score runs and make things a little less stressful on the pitching side of things," Vitello said. "And also, maybe just find that one little thing that clicks, whether it's a hitter in particular or one inning we put together or, really, just the group of nine working together that day offensively. That's the main focus for today."

The boldest choice, bar none, would be to send down Bailey, who has minor-league options.

The 26-year-old Bailey is an elite defender, but it's impossible to look past his .396 OPS. Bailey got the start on Wednesday after Rodriguez started on Monday and Tuesday, proceeding to go 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts.

Despite the recent lack of playing time, Vitello praised Bailey for being energetic and active during a hitters’ meeting on Friday.

"I mean, you guys are around; you can observe for yourselves, so I don't have any reason to give a phony or ‘BS' answer," Vitello said. "I think he knows - obviously, the other guys do too - with two guys coming up, they're not coming up to sit around. They're coming up to try to help the team."

Schmitt gets work in right field

Earlier this week, Vitello said infielder Casey Schmitt, who hasn't played outfield since high school, could see time at a corner outfield spot. It wasn't a surprise, then, to see Schmitt doing early work at right field before Friday's game.

"Right now, we're just trying to ride out the storm a little bit because we know the offensive at-bats are going to get better and a lot of numbers will start to even out. But in the meantime, we don't want to be overly patient and just wait for things to click offensively. So, looking at the lineup every single day, trying to come up with different combinations."

Theoretically, if the Giants wanted to get Schmitt in the outfield, moving Heliot Ramos to right field and having Schmitt play left field would be an easier assignment. Vitello said pregame that left field is an option for both Schmitt and Rodriguez.

"If anything, there's more center fielders and there's more left fielders on this team if everybody's around - and I'm kind of including (Harrison) Bader - as opposed to guys who have played right field," Vitello said.

Vitello expects Webb to make next start

Logan Webb threw a season-low four innings on Tuesday night as his outing was cut short due to knee discomfort, but Vitello said he expects Webb to make his next start.

"What's best in the long run is a difficult conversation with that guy because he wants to man up, and therefore, he has manned up, and I think thrown more than anybody - I know last year, but maybe the last couple years,” Vitello said. “So, if there’s a delay in the start or even missing a start, it’s kind of like pulling teeth.” like it was the other day. … If there’s any adjustment at all, it’s eventually going to have to come with his blessing which, again, is kind of like pulling teeth. So, let those guys coordinate that in the training room.”

Worth noting

• Second baseman Luis Arraez returned to the starting lineup after missing Tuesday and Wednesday due to a sore left thumb.
• Right-hander Jason Foley (recovery from right shoulder surgery) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose on Sunday.
• Left-hander Erik Miller (low back strain) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Sacramento on Sunday.
  
  Sam Hentges (right knee and left shoulder surgery) is scheduled to pitch for Sacramento tonight.
• Outfielder Jared Oliva (left wrist hamate fracture) is playing catch out to 75 feet and has started his swing progression.
• Left-hander Reiver Sanmartin (right hip flexor strain) is scheduled to throw live batting practice tomorrow in Arizona.

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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 6:49 PM.