Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Austin may become the second jettisoned Giants outfielder this season to find himself playing overseas.
The Giants are shopping the first base/outfield slugger to clubs in Asia, according to two sources, after they designated Austin for assignment Friday. According to one source, Austin approached the Giants with the idea, having bounced around from the Yankees to the Twins to the Giants in his short major league career without finding consistent playing time.
Austin still could be picked up by a major league club. If he goes unclaimed, the Giants could assign him to Triple-A Sacramento, where he would take his place in a crowded outfield picture. So, playing in Asia every day would have its appeal.
It’s the route Mac Williamson took last month after the former Giants outfielder, upon being DFA’d by the Mariners, jetted to South Korea.
Austin, a 27-year-old righty who debuted in the majors in 2016, was a platoon option for the Giants whose performance fell without consistent playing time. He slashed .185/.279/.400 with eight home runs in 130 at-bats with San Francisco.