DENVER — Even with rosters expanded, the Giants were short in their bullpen over the weekend. A couple of moves made Tuesday should help that issue.
The Giants brought Austin Slater off the disabled list but also added right-handers Roberto Gomez and Reyes Moronta to the bullpen. Both pitchers are seeking their MLB debuts.
To make room for Gomez on the 40-man roster, the Giants designated outfielder Carlos Moncrief for assignment.
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Gomez, 28, signed as a minor league free agent in the offseason and spent time in camp this spring. He had a 4.07 ERA in 38 appearances for the River Cats, 13 of which were starts. Over his last 12 appearances, Gomez had a 2.22 ERA. He provides needed depth since Matt Cain will miss this road trip to take care of a personal matter.
Moronta is a 24-year-old with a huge fastball, and he spent a day in New York with the Giants earlier this season. He had a 2.12 ERA in 13 appearances for the River Cats after a promotion. Moronta is expected to compete for a bullpen job as soon as next season.
Slater missed 52 games after a serious groin strain. The Giants originally thought he might be out the rest of the year, but Slater proved to be a quick healer. He hit .290 with three homers in his first stint in the big leagues this season and put himself in position to compete to be a starting corner outfielder going forward.