Catching on: Local product Daniel Susac returns to Sacramento with Giants

Daniel Susac's trip back to Sacramento last weekend came with plenty of familiar faces in the stands, but the Roseville native and former Lincoln Potter has tried to keep the focus on baseball as much as possible. "It's good. It's always fun to play in front of family and be back in the hometown," the San Francisco Giants catcher said ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. "I feel like I see somebody new in the crowd every day that I remember from growing up. So it's always fun to be back. I pretty much just tell my family, 'Hey, I'll see you after the game.' When I'm playing or before the game, it's all about the game." The three-game weekend series marked a different kind of homecoming for Susac. Drafted by the Athletics in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, he steadily climbed through the minor leagues before an unexpected offseason twist changed the course of his career. In December, Susac was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the Rule 5 Draft and then traded to the San Francisco Giants that same day. Susac made his big-league debut in April and returned home last weekend as a member of the Giants organization for a series against the Athletics, giving friends, family and former coaches another chance to follow his professional journey up close. "It was a pretty crazy day, but obviously, it was a fun opportunity and a good experience, and I'm thankful for it," Susac said. Susac was activated from the 10-day injured list before the series, making his return to the Giants on Friday night after missing 22 games. He had a rehab stint in Sacramento with the River Cats, where he went 9 for 17 with the Triple-A club. Susac went 0 for 4 in Friday night's 5-2 loss to the A's but made his presence known defensively with a play at the plate. He did not play Saturday but returned to the lineup Sunday afternoon, collecting a hit and driving in a run in a 10-1 victory to clinch the series in front of a n announced sellout crowd of 12,541. Susac's return comes at a crucial time after the Giants traded catcher Patrick Bailey on May 9, opening an opportunity behind the plate. While Bailey was regarded as one of baseball's top defensive catchers, the Giants are looking for more offensive production from the position, giving Susac a chance to carve out a larger role. The 25-year-old has impressed offensively and defensively, including throwing out Henry Bolte attempting to steal Friday night and making several strong defensive plays in the series opener. Though the Giants are carrying three catchers, Susac appears positioned to compete for significant playing time as he settles into the lineup. "I think just trying to play my best each day, not worrying about the next game or the following game," Susac said. "Just each game, putting forward my best effort and letting the rest take care of itself." Susac was batting .387 with six RBIs and three extra-base hits in 13 games through Sunday.