Partch coming home with Giants contract

Curtis Partch’s baseball journey will continue not far from where it began for the Merced native.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the former Merced High and Merced College pitching standout agreed Tuesday to a minor-league contract with the Giants that includes an invitation to spring training with San Francisco.

The Giants originally drafted Partch out of high school as a 49th-round pick in 2005, but he didn’t sign. Cincinnati took him in the 27th round two years later, as he spent his first eight seasons in the Reds’ organization.

The right-hander turns 28 in February. He compiled a 4.75 ERA in 20 relief appearances for the Reds over the last two years, racking up 22 strikeouts in 301/3 innings pitched. Partch didn’t allow a run in six 2014 appearances for Cincinnati.

With the Giants looking to revamp their bullpen in 2015, Partch could have an opportunity to be a part of it with a good spring showing. He has a 45-52 minor league record with a 4.75 ERA and 24 saves over eight seasons, including 605 strikeouts in 7561/3 innings.

If Partch doesn’t make the big-league club this spring, he could begin the season with Triple-A Sacramento.

This story was originally published December 17, 2014 at 11:32 PM with the headline "Partch coming home with Giants contract."