SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Pitching prospect Shaun Anderson came tantalizingly close to making his Major League debut last year.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy revealed that Anderson flew to New York during San Francisco's four-game series against the Mets in August and was on standby to pitch one of those games. The Giants didn’t make a move, and Anderson headed back to Triple-A Sacramento the next day.

But the experience served as a visceral reminder of how close the 24-year-old right-hander is to breaking into the Majors.

“Honestly, just being there with all the guys in New York was just kind of like, ‘Hey, I’m almost there,’” said Anderson, the Giants' No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline. “It kind of just gives you that extra edge, that you’re close. Just keep doing exactly what you’re doing and keep working hard. Things will fall into place when you’re ready.”

Anderson, who was acquired from the Red Sox as part of the Eduardo Nunez trade in 2017, shouldn’t have too much longer to get his first opportunity with the Giants. He showed that he’s one of the most advanced arms in the club’s farm system after logging a 3.69 ERA in 25 appearances (24 starts) between Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento in 2018. Over 141 1/3 combined innings, he racked up 127 strikeouts and issued only 33 walks.

“He’s knocking on the door, isn’t he?” Bochy said. “He’s coming off a good year. Great reports on his makeup, his stuff. I look forward to watching him pitch here.”

Still, Anderson said he isn’t allowing himself to look too far down the road. Right now, he’s just enjoying his first big league camp and staying focused on getting himself ready for the upcoming season.

“I’ve still got to stay healthy, and I’ve still got to prove myself,” Anderson said. “Nothing is given here. That’s something I’ve learned. I’ve gone in with the same mindset as last Spring Training. I’m going to do everything I can to pitch the best I can and take care of my body. Hopefully things will work out.”

Anderson has a low-to-mid-90s fastball that induces a lot of groundouts because of its sink, and he has a good feel for his mid-80s slider. He said he is continuing to learn to trust his changeup and curveball, and also worked on simplifying his delivery over the offseason at the Giants’ suggestion.

Anderson is slated to pitch after fellow right-hander Dereck Rodriguez on Tuesday against the Reds and said he is looking forward to testing himself against Major League hitters this spring.

“I’m pumped for it,” Anderson said. “I threw live [batting practice] the other day and faced some guys. I know they were just kind of getting reads, but it’s going to be great getting to face those guys that you watch.”