The Giants are cutting Ken Giles loose eight days after signing him, allowing the veteran to sign with a contender.
Giles, 31, officially was released by the Sacramento River Cats, per their transaction page. The Giants had signed him to a minor-league deal with hopes of him contributing to a playoff push, but that is more fantasy than reality at this point.
After Monday night’s loss, the Giants are a season-high 8.5 games out of a a wild card spot and five games below .500. Fangraphs gives SF a 0.5% chance at reaching the postseason.
Giles made three appearances for the River Cats, allowing one run in 2.2 innings for a 3.38 ERA. He’d been limited by injuries since 2020 but posted a 1.87 ERA in his most recent full season.
Given San Francisco’s struggles in the bullpen, Giles could have provided a much-needed boost had the Giants remained within striking distance. But since signing Giles on Aug. 22, the Giants have gone 1-5 in a critical point of their season.
A new club can sign Giles before Aug. 31 in order to ensure he’s eligible for the postseason. Rosters expand from 26 to 28 leaguewide on Sept. 1.