Munguia earns Giants' Nugent Award with standout spring

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Ismael Munguia continues to have the Spring Training of his dreams.

His hard work and dedication were recognized Thursday when he was named the recipient of the 2024 Barney Nugent Award prior to the Giants' 7-6 win against the Brewers.

• Perseverance key for this Giants Minor Leaguer

Munguia, 25, was shocked to hear his name called. Everyone in the clubhouse gave him an ovation.

“They told me exactly what I did. My performance on the field, the energy that I bring in, and I could tell that I'm having a very good Spring Training myself,” Munguia said through Spanish interpreter Erwin Higueros. “It means a lot to be recognized.”

The Barney Nugent Award is given annually to a Giants player whose performance impresses the most in his first big league camp. The award is voted on by players, coaches, training staff and clubhouse staff.

“As rookies go, he’s had a fantastic camp,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said with a smile. “Originally, I didn’t know how many at-bats he was going to get. ... He’s well-received here in camp and has earned all the reps he’s getting.”

Previous Nugent Award winners include infielder Casey Schmitt (2023), utility player Brett Auerbach ('22), outfielder Heliot Ramos ('21) and catcher Joey Bart ('19).

Munguia was originally signed by the Giants in 2015 and had a winding journey prior to earning a non-roster invite to Major League camp this year. Between the personal loss of his brother and overcoming injuries, he found motivation in the hard times. Munguia is also inspired by his son, his family and his dream of becoming a Major League player.

The Nicaraguan wasted no time showing what he can do as a fully healthy player -- his first spring hit was a two-run homer -- and has continued to make a case to fulfill his dream.

Munguia plays hard and aggressive. He is always looking for a way to contribute. In 18 Cactus League games, Munguia is slashing .438/.486/.719 with 14 runs scored, two home runs, eight RBIs and five stolen bases.

“You almost feel good just watching him play the game,” Melvin said. “We don’t want to take that aggressive style of play away.”

Wearing his signature yellow gloves helps Munguia stand out on the field. He’s not sure how, but his favorite color calms him down to concentrate more with his style of play.

It still may be difficult for him to crack the Giants' roster to begin the season, with Jung Hoo Lee, Michael Conforto and Mike Yastrzemski projected to take the starting outfield roles. That does not mean Munguia doesn't have the potential to make a big league appearance in the future.

“That’s the message to everybody here, 'Force the issue,'” Melvin said. “Performance is going to play.”

Roupp’s hitless outing
Right-handed pitcher Landen Roupp has been opening eyes throughout the entirety of camp, according to Melvin. He continued to do so Thursday night. Roupp allowed no hits or runs in three frames against the Brewers. He struck out five hitters and allowed two walks.

“It’s just a mental game. Just knowing what I have to do when I get out there and achieving the goal,” Roupp said. “I was attacking the zone, two walks but [I] kept it under control.”

The Giants’ No. 12 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, has been making his case for a role in the bullpen this season after a back injury caused him to miss significant time last year.

“I’m just going with the flow, and if it happens, it happens,” Roupp said. “I think everything will fall into place as it’s supposed to.”

Noteworthy
• Blake Snell threw his first bullpen session (30 pitches) since signing with the Giants on Thursday. Melvin said that right now, the team is just focused on seeing where the left-handed pitcher is at the moment.

• Marco Luciano (No. 2 prospect) hit his first spring homer, a three-run shot. The shortstop went 2-for-4 with two runs and four RBIs.

“His at-bats are way better right now, and he is way more comfortable in the field defensively,” Melvin said. “It’s taking a little, like I said, after an injury, but he’s standing the other way, which is a sweet spot for him.”

• Tyler Fitzgerald (No. 21) went 1-for-2 with two runs and an RBI.

• Luis Matos went 2-for-4 with an RBI double.