Hector

Sanchez

A career .238/.273/.367 hitter over parts of seven major league seasons, Sanchez spent all of 2018 at Triple-A in the Giants organization. The veteran catcher will compete for the backup job behind Grayson Greiner.

Buster Posey is catching all three games this weekend, so Sanchez will make his first start Monday. The arrangement potentially gives Posey a built-in off-day, although he could also be used at first base.

The Giants have Hector Sanchez as the lone backup to Buster Posey, so they want Sandoval prepared in case of emergency. “If they need me, I’ll be in there,” said Sandoval, who hasn’t caught in a game since 2009. “It’s gonna be tough when you get two or three years not catching. You have to be ready to catch two bullpens in one day to make sure I’m fine. But I don’t get mad. It’s part of the team and if I have to do it, I’ll do it for sure.” It’s an interesting note, but it’s unlikely he’ll actually play behind the plate during a game, let alone get his handy catcher-eligibility back.

“Sure, he’s done enough to make this club,” Bochy said. “We need to decide what’s best for Hector and the club.” Sanchez has cooled off at the plate recently, batting only 2-for-12 (.167) since his blistering .452 start. But he has hit much better than veteran catchers Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart, and also projects as a better hitter going forward. Although Bochy has highlighted the need to boost the Giants’ offense, don’t be surprised if he gives the youngster a little more seasoning at Triple-A to start the season.

Posey has caught back-to-back games, so he’ll get somewhat of a breather. Hector Sanchez will start behind the dish Wednesday while Brandon Belt takes a seat.

Sanchez has a real shot and has the added advantage of being a switch-hitter off the bench. The 22-year-old posted just a .646 OPS in 34 plate appearances as a rookie last year, but Sanchez has a solid track record in the minors, batting .295/.373/.443 over five seasons.

The Giants are considering keeping Sanchez as a third catcher and pinch-hitter, though they need to make sure they find him enough playing time if they go that route. One possibility would be to play Buster Posey once or twice per week at first base. Sanchez is just 22 and still rather raw, but his line-drive swing could make him useful off the bench.

It was his lone hit on the night, but obviously a big one. Sanchez had a big year at the plate in the minors last year and gives the Giants a nice offensive option behind Buster Posey. He could have value if Posey should go down.

Hector Sanchez will catch Madison Bumgarner in the night game after Posey works the early tilt with Tim Lincecum. Posey is hitting .386/.426/.500 with a home run, four RBI and a steal in 12 games this season.

Hector Sanchez is paired with Friday’s starter Barry Zito, so this way the Giants will at least have Posey in the lineup. It also enables him to catch the day game on Saturday. Brett Pill will make his first major league start in left field on Friday.