Mason Black, once one of the San Francisco Giants‘ top pitching prospects, was designated for assignment on Thursday afternoon, the team announced.
Black, 25, had been expected to challenge for a regular role out of the Giants’ rotation but never quite found his footing in the big leagues once given the opportunity.
He made his big league debut in Philadelphia – near his hometown of Scranton, Pa. – in 2024 and accumulated a 6.44 ERA over nine appearances (eight starts). He had his number called once in 2025; he gave up five runs over four innings out of the bullpen.
The move opened up a spot on the 40-man roster for a pair of waiver wire claims. The Giants added left-handed pitcher Reiver Sanmartin from the Cincinnati Reds and outfielder Justin Dean from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who was outrighted days after he and the Dodgers celebrated their World Series win.
Dean, 29, played part in the Dodgers’ postseason run mostly as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in center field. The Giants could stand to add a few more plus defensive outfielders in their system, and Dean is a strong option able to play all three spots.
He was hitless in two at bats with L.A., but slashed .289/.378/.431 with a .808 OPS in 90 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City last season. The Atlanta Braves drafted him in the 17th round in 2018.
Sanmartin, 29, pitched in parts of four seasons with the Reds over his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2023 and returned to Cincinnati on a minor league contract once recovered. The lefty had a career 5.66 ERA over 62 appearances (84⅓ innings) in Cincinnati.
This article originally published at Giants DFA former pitching prospect Mason Black, claim two off waivers.
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