The Giants announced Monday afternoon that they have designated right-handed pitcher Gregory Santos for assignment.
Letting Santos go clears a slot on San Francisco’s roster for Carlos Correa, whose signing hasn’t yet been made official. The Giants are expected to introduce Correa officially on Tuesday morning at Oracle Park. They’ll also have to clear a spot for starter Sean Manaea, who is scheduled to speak to local media Monday afternoon.
Santos, 23, made five relief appearances for the Giants. He debuted prematurely in 2021, skipping the entire Double-A level. He featured a fastball that approached 100 mph and a nasty slider, but struggled with control both in the minors and in his small major league sample.
A shoulder injury in 2019 and the lost 2020 season disrupted Santos’ development. In his 5.2 big league innings, Santos posted an 11.12 ERA and walked five of the 30 batters he faced.
In the minors last year, Santos struck out 9.5 hitters per nine innings but also walked 5.1 per nine.
Given Santos’ age and potential, he’ll likely garner interest of other teams. The Giants could try to trade him before placing him on waivers.
The Giants’ bullpen was one of its weak points in 2022. They’ll return closer Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers, John Brebbia and lefty Scott Alexander but lose Jarlin García and José Álvarez. The bullpen plan for 2023 likely involves adding another late-inning option and doesn’t include Santos.