LOS ANGELES — The Giants had a vacant 40-man spot this week as they waited for Robbie Ray to return, and as they usually do, they used it on a player who was recently waived elsewhere.
San Francisco announced Tuesday that it has signed outfielder Derek Hill from the Texas Rangers, who designated him for assignment over the weekend. Hill is out of options, so he will have to be added to the major league roster, possibly as early as Wednesday.
Giants manager Bob Melvin said he wasn’t sure what the plan was for the roster, though the arrival of Hill, a right-handed outfielder, could seem like a sign that Luis Matos could return to Triple-A.
Hill, an Elk Grove High School graduate, played in 16 games for the Rangers this year, batting at a .256 average with a .289 on-base percentage and three home runs. His glove was his calling card, and he was an above-average defensive center fielder. Hill also ranked among the league leaders in sprint speed.
“The organization obviously likes him, he’s got athletic ability, so we’ll see where we go,” Melvin said.
The New York Giants will now need to move 40 players when they activate Ray to start Wednesday’s game at Dodger Stadium. Another move will be needed next week when Alex Cobb returns from the 60-day injured list.
Unless the Giants have another move in the works, Hill appears set to take the spot formerly occupied by Austin Slater, who was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Matos was supposed to get those reps, but the 22-year-old has made just two starts and three substitute appearances since Slater’s trade, going 1-in-11. Matos and center fielder Heliot Ramos combined for a key defensive error in Monday’s loss.
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