CSN Bay Area

In the process of filling out their minor league roster, the Giants have brought back to familiar faces.

Infielder Brandon Hicks has signed a minor league deal and his been assigned to the Sacramento River Cats, the Giants' new Triple-A affiliate, according to the Pacific Coast League's transaction page.

Hicks saw action in 71 games for the Giants in 2014, hitting .162 while clubbing eight home runs and driving in 22 runs. He manned second base before top prospect Joe Panik was summoned from the minors.

The 29-year-old was designated for assignment on July 11 and outrighted to Triple-A on July 15. He was granted free agency at the end of the 2014 season.

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Additionally, former third-round pick John Bowker has signed a minor league deal to return to the Giants after spending the last three seasons in Japan, according to Baseball America's minor league transaction page.

Bowker was drafted by the Giants in 2004 and made his major league debut with the club in 2008. In 183 games of parts of three seasons with the Giants, Bowker hit .238 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI.

On July 31, 2010, Bowker was dealt by the Giants to Pittsburgh along with pitcher Joe Martinez for reliever Javier Lopez.

Bowker spent 2012 and 2013 with the Yomiuri Giants and 2014 with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Over three seasons in Japan, he hit .239 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI.