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The San Francisco Giants made a series of moves before Wednesday’s series finale with the Texas Rangers.
Most notable is that right-handed reliever Matt Wisler — whom the Giants signed to a one-year, $1.15 million deal in the offseason — has been designated for assignment. Also leaving the roster, albeit temporarily, is Alex Dickerson, who has been placed on the 10-day Injured List with an upper back strain. Dickerson exited Tuesday’s game after his first plate appearance.
Taking their spots on the active roster are right-handed pitcher Jimmie Sherfy and left-handed pitcher Sammy Long. Long also takes Wisler’s spot on the 40-man roster, and is expected to make his MLB debut in Wednesday’s game.
Alex Dickerson landed on the IL with an upper back strain. Matt Wisler was DFA'd.
— Maria I. Guardado (@mi_guardado) June 9, 2021
Sammy Long and Jimmie Sherfy are on the roster.
Wisler’s DFA is quite surprising, given that he’s owed guaranteed money, is coming off two very strong seasons, and is performing well this year if you look beyond ERA. Manager Gabe Kapler acknowledged as much when he announced the move.
Kapler on the conversation with Wisler: "It was really tough because there are some underlying things that he's done really well. And, look, I still think he's a good pitcher." A lot of strikeouts but a lot of good contact.
— Mark W. Sanchez (@MarkWSanchez) June 9, 2021
When you have good depth, as this Giants team does, it’s harder to find bad players to trim from the roster.
The Giants have made a habit of DFA’ing players, sneaking them through waivers, and re-assigning them to the Minor Leagues, so chances are they’ll try and do that with Wisler. But given his track record, there’s a good chance he doesn’t make it through waivers.
As for Dickerson, it’s yet another injury hit to a team that has had many of them. But given that LaMonte Wade Jr. and Steven Duggar are both currently swinging the bat better than Dickerson, and Mike Yastrzemski is due to return soon, the Giants should be able to weather the storm. Hopefully it’s not a long-lasting injury, as Dickerson has a history of back issues.