Rookie catcher Daniel Susac fights to outshine fellow prospects and secure his future as the San Francisco Giants’ long-term starter.
An unusual celebration by San Francisco Giants rookie Daniel Susac quickly became one of the biggest talking points from Tuesday night’s game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
After hitting a double in the second inning, Susac appeared to imitate riding a scooter as he celebrated at second base.
The rookie catcher even flashed a smile toward the Giants’ dugout, seemingly acknowledging the inspiration behind the celebration.
His teammates immediately appeared to understand the reference.
Several Giants players were seen laughing in the dugout, leading many to believe the celebration was connected to Harrison Bader’s recent scooter accident.
Bader was already dealing with a left foot injury before the bizarre scooter crash that ultimately ended his season.
Following the incident, the Giants suspended his pay until he can return to action, making the situation one of the more unusual stories of San Francisco’s season.
Whether Susac intended to poke fun at his veteran teammate or simply participate in some lighthearted clubhouse humor remains open to interpretation.
Bader himself has never been shy about showing personality on the field through his own celebrations, so there is also a possibility he would appreciate the joke.
Three rookies after one spot
On the field, Susac continues trying to establish himself as the Giants’ long-term answer behind the plate.
The rookie finished Tuesday’s game 1-for-4 with the double that sparked the discussion.
Over his last four games, Susac is 3-for-12 with two doubles and a run scored.
He is hitting .257 with three home runs, 22 RBIs, and a .702 OPS in 50 games this season.
His playing time remains part of an ongoing competition.
Fellow rookie Drew Cavanaugh is also battling for the starting catcher role, while another rookie, Jesús Rodríguez, is currently on the Injured List with right elbow neuritis.
Cavanaugh finished Wednesday’s 6-0 loss against the Rangers with a 2-for-4 performance that included a double.
He is hitting .250 with no home runs and a .631 OPS in 24 games this season.
The competition behind the plate has remained unsettled for months.
Back in May, manager Tony Vitello told The San Francisco Standard that the organization was not prepared to declare Susac the team’s No. 1 catcher.
“No, I don’t think we’re assuming anything at this point,” Vitello said.
Susac’s value
Susac continues earning opportunities because of the qualities he brings beyond his offensive production. Young catchers face one of the steepest learning curves in baseball, and he has steadily gained the trust of the coaching staff while continuing to develop at the MLB level.
His confidence has also become increasingly noticeable. Whether delivering a timely hit or showing personality with a celebration, Susac has displayed the comfort level teams hope to see from young players settling into MLB.
Perhaps most importantly, he has embraced competition. Rather than being handed the starting job, Susac has had to earn every opportunity while competing with other talented young catchers in the rebuilding Giants.
That daily competition could ultimately accelerate his development and strengthen the Giants’ future behind the plate.
