Giants say good-bye to longtime reliever, RHP claimed on waivers by Pirates

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SAN FRANCISCO -- On Wednesday, George Kontos made his 300th appearance with the Giants. Three days later, his run with the organization ended. 

Kontos was claimed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Giants let him go, opening up a roster spot for Chris Stratton, who will start in place of Matt Cain on Saturday. The Giants were going to non-tender Kontos at the end of the season, but this ends his time in San Francisco nearly two months early. 

Kontos has had a rough couple of weeks on the mound, but his tenure in San Francisco was underrated. Over six seasons, he posted a 3.05 ERA and carved out a spot as a reliable middle-innings fireman for Bruce Bochy. Kontos, known as "Everyday George," made at least 50 appearances in each of the last three seasons. He often warmed up on other days, and Bochy was able to use him several days in a row, saving others in the bullpen. 

Kontos has had trouble with inherited runners this season and he never was given a late-innings role in a rebuilt bullpen. The Giants are embracing a youth movement of sorts, and they're expected to experiment with bullpen roles in September. 

Kontos now goes to a semi-contender, where he'll team with Chris Stewart. The Giants originally traded Stewart to acquire Kontos from the Yankees. 

 

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