The Giants have released infielder Andres Blanco, as Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports (Twitter links). He had been in camp on a minor-league deal.
With that decision, it seems the Giants have narrowed their utility infield competition down to two finalists among the in-house options. Kelby Tomlinson, who can still be optioned, is still under consideration along with non-roster invitee Josh Rutledge.
Blanco, a 33-year-old switch-hitter, only ended up taking 22 plate appearances this spring owing to injury. While he sported a .409 OBP in his limited action, he never really got into the competition.
Though he’s not likely to find a team willing to open an active roster spot for the start of the season, Blanco certainly ought to draw interest on minor-league arrangements. He has experience all over the infield and has had his moments at the plate. Though he had a poor season with the stick last year, Blanco posted a .274/.337/.457 slash over 523 plate appearances between 2014 and 2016.
E munchy
Oh noooooo! Not Blanco!
Joe Kerr
They still have Gregor.
IACub
I actually skimmed over Andres when I read the article. When Jeff mentioned the utility infield job I got really confused for a few seconds.
dewssox79
sounds like a white sox pick up to me.
tigerdoc616
Or…………………Calcetín blanco
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
That sucks. He would’ve been an upgrade to panik
snotrocket
Lol
aussiegiants53
Eh? Are you ok there mate?
wiggysf
Tomlinson spelled wrong
gorav114
The O’s competition for the utility spot is still open. They have some options in guys like Danny Valencia but Buck prefers better defense around the. Plus, I would expect a reunion with Flaherty before they go for anybody else outside the organization.
Palmer5
Played with this guy in A ball. Solid defensively and a very dependable!!!