Giants DFA Hunter Pence

The San Francisco Giants made some sad, albeit not shocking news on Sunday, designating for assignment Hunter Pence.

The move was made to clear two spots: One on the active roster for reliever Sam Coonrod, who is being activated after a stint on the Injury List; and one on the 40-man roster for infielder Daniel Robertson, who was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

After a seven-year run with the Giants, Pence spent last year playing for the Texas Rangers, and had a remarkable bounce back year en route to his fourth All-Star nod. He re-signed with the Giants over the offseason, which was exciting for everyone, but struggled out of the gates this season, going just 5-52 with 2 home runs, 1 triple, 3 walks, and 15 strikeouts.

It’s safe to say that just about every fan was hoping the reunion would be successful and magical, but it sadly doesn’t always work out that way. However, given that this may be the end of Pence’s playing career — and given that he has a strong relationship with Gabe Kapler, and loves San Francisco — it wouldn’t be shocking if we see him wear a Giants jersey again in the future, just in a non-playing capacity.

As for the other moves, Coonrod finally returns after being placed on the IL with a right lat strain on July 31. He’s pitched in 4 games this year, giving up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 earned runs, while striking out 2.

And Robertson, a 26-year old right-handed hitter who can play second, third, and shortstop, heads to the Alternate Training Site in Sacramento, with the Giants agreeing to send cash considerations or a player to be named later to Tampa Bay. He struggled last year with the Rays, but had a very strong 2018, hitting .262/.382/.415 in 340 plate appearances, and being worth 2.4 fWAR.