SAN FRANCISCO — The decision to go with Connor Joe and Michael Reed did not cost the Giants another outfielder.
Mac Williamson, who was designated for assignment last week, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Giants confirmed the transaction later Thursday afternoon.
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The Giants ultimately did pretty well in their pre-Opening Day shuffling. Williamson will remain with the organization, with the hope that he finds the power he displayed in Triple-A and the big leagues before a concussion wrecked his 2018 season. Alen Hanson, also DFA’d, was used as part of a trade that brought Kevin Pillar to San Francisco.
The Giants hoped Williamson, 28, would win a corner job in spring training, but he hit just .237 with one home run. That has made the road back to the big leagues a bit longer. Williamson is no longer on the 40-man roster, so he cannot be shuttled back and forth. With Steven Duggar, Pillar and Gerardo Parra in the big league outfield — and Joe getting a look as a Rule 5 player — there is not currently a spot for someone who just plays the corners.
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Williamson could work himself back into the mix, though, if he repeats last season’s early success. The Giants still have a huge hole he can fill. They hit five homers in their first seven games but just one came from an outfielder. The only right-handed hitters to homer thus far are Evan Longoria and Madison Bumgarner.
