Cavanaugh called up for debut as Susac (back) lands on IL

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants’ catching corps took a hit Friday when rookie Daniel Susac was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain.

Susac’s setback created an opening for the Giants to take a look at fast-rising catching prospect Drew Cavanaugh, who was selected from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move. Right-hander Wilkin Ramos was designated for assignment to clear a spot for Cavanaugh on the 40-man roster.

A 17th-round Draft pick of the Giants in 2023, Cavanaugh batted .311 with a .999 OPS and nine home runs over 54 games between Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento before earning his first big league callup. The 24-year-old started behind the plate and batted eighth against the Braves on Friday in his Major League debut.

“It’s definitely a lot of emotions and a lot of exciting ones,” Cavanaugh said. “The nerves set in a little bit more when I walked in. But I would say it’s more excitement than nerves. It’s my dream coming true, so it’s awesome.”

The Giants also had the versatile Jesus Rodriguez on their 40-man roster, but they felt the left-handed-hitting Cavanaugh was ready for an opportunity after ranking fourth in OPS (1.016) among all Triple-A hitters with at least 130 plate appearances this year.

“He’s got good vibes to him, for sure,” manager Tony Vitello said. “I think those guys are really happy with how he’s come along as a catcher. One thing that’s always scrutinized or complimented back there is how you manage the game. I know [Triple-A manager Dave Brundage] has talked about how they’ve spent a lot of time with him.

“Getting to implement the work he puts in -- he works his [butt] off preparation-wise, according to them. Getting to take advantage of that in the game. He’s handled righties well at the plate. He moves around pretty good, too. [Backup catcher Eric] Haase is probably a little bit quicker, but kind of like Haase, he’s an athletic-moving catcher and can run the bases a little bit.”

Cavanaugh said he expected his parents and two brothers to be in the stands for his MLB debut on Friday. He has previous experience catching Trevor McDonald, who started against the Braves on Friday, but he knows he’ll have some work to do to get up to speed on the rest of the Giants’ pitching staff.

“I think [it’s just] building the trust with the staff, the starters and the relievers, especially,” Cavanaugh said. “Just getting to know those guys and seeing what they like to do on the field. Just getting to know them as people, as well, is really important. I think building those relationships is important.”

Susac was forced to exit Thursday’s 9-6 loss to the A’s in the sixth inning due to back tightness, but Vitello said the Giants are hoping the Rule 5 Draft pick will be able to return after spending the minimum time on the IL.

“He’s in good spirits today,” Vitello said. “The one thing I told him was just a pretty courageous effort to get through [Thursday’s game]. We were trying to get through [starter Landen] Roupp, and [head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner] kept checking in with him every inning. He battled through that, but he was nowhere close to moving around to full function today.”

Susac, 25, took over as San Francisco’s primary catcher following the departure of two-time Gold Glove winner Patrick Bailey, who was traded to the Guardians on May 9. Susac batted .262 with a .640 OPS over 37 games, though he also emerged as a capable defender behind the plate, ranking sixth among Major League catchers with a +5 fielding run value.

Friday marked Susac’s second IL stint of the season, as he also missed 22 games with right elbow neuritis in late April and early May.