SF Giants reportedly release left-handed-hitting outfielder

Luis González's time with the SF Giants might be coming to an end. According to a report from Robert Murray of FanSided, the Giants have released the 28-year-old outfielder.

SF Giants reportedly release left-handed-hitting outfielder

The transaction is not yet reflected on the team's transaction page. However, if it is true, it would be the second outfielder that the Giants have released this month. That number is not normally notable, but it is near the end of the season, which is generally a quiet time for transactions.

It has been a tough season for González. He was hoping to play for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic but we not eligible because he finished last season on the injured list. Then, he underwent surgery in spring training to repair a herniated disc in his back with an estimated recovery time of three-to-four months.

The good news is that the lefty bat was able to return to the field for a rehab assignment in the middle of July. He was reinstated at the beginning of August, but it was pretty evident that the Giants did not have a role for him.

González was quickly placed on waivers but went unclaimed. He was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and accepted an assignment to Triple-A. He slashed .255/.355/.362 (79 wRC+) with one home run, six RBI, and 14 runs in 110 plate appearances. The good news is that he continued to control the strike zone well as he posted an 11.8 percent walk rate against an 18.2 percent strikeout rate.

However, González's power, while not normally a strength in his profile, had disappeared as he tallied a .106 ISO. He has a good understanding of the strike zone and really grinds out at-bats, but the limited power upside is a tough quality to overcome.

The former third-round pick did see a lot of time with the Giants last year as produced a respectable .683 OPS in 350 plate appearances. This included a .750 OPS against right-handed pitching, so he could function as the strong side of a platoon for his next team.

With that being said, there were several gaffes in the outfield and a couple of notable base running mistakes that clouded what was a promising rookie campaign. González will look for a new home after spending parts of the last three seasons with the Giants organization.