SF Giants cut ties with Elk Grove native after just 5 games with the team

The SF Giants have designated outfielder Derek Hill for assignment. The Elk Grove native only appeared in 5 games for the Giants and he was the odd man out after the Giants swung a trade for Mark Canha at the trade deadline.

SF Giants DFA outfielder Derek Hill after only 5 games

The Giants claimed Hill from the Texas Rangers after they placed him on waivers. Hill was clearly meant to be sort of a stopgap measure for the Giants. They figured that Luis Matos would benefit from getting more consistent playing time in Triple-A so they sent him down and brought in Hill as a right-handed outfielder they could play against lefties.

Hill did just fine for the Giants in his brief stint with the team. He recorded 3 hits in 12 at-bats for the Giants including a triple and 2 RBI. He is not known for being a great hitter but is primarily known for being a solid defender.

Once the Giants swung a trade for Canha at the deadline, it seemed like Hill's days with the Giants were numbered. Canha is a superior hitter who can play the corner outfield spots and first base which gives the team some extra flexibility. Add in the fact that the team decided to promote Jerar Encarnacion, who has been raking in Triple-A, and it made Hill's fate all the more certain.

It is unfortunate for Hill because he grew up in Northern California and would go to Giants games with his dad. Unfortunately, sentimentality does not often play a role in roster decisions. At least Hill got to play for the Giants for a few games and he will surely land on his feet with another team.

Add Hill's name to the list of players during the Farhan Zaidi era who only the sick, twisted, truly obsessed Giants fans will remember in a year. For instance, if you remembered that current Cincinnati Red Stuart Fairchild played in 5 games for the Giants back in 2022, an intervention may be in order.

Fairwell Derek Hill. We hardly knew ye.