PHOENIX -- Even Michael Reed thinks the Aaron Altherr Era was short.
Altherr, picked up on a waiver claim eight days ago, was designated for assignment by the Giants on Sunday morning to open a roster spot for Drew Pomeranz, who is returning from the Injured List to start the finale against the Diamondbacks.
Altherr was active for four games but got just one pinch-hit at-bat, striking out. His time in the organization may not be up, though. The Giants will hope to get Altherr through waivers and stash him in Triple-A as they have done with others, and perhaps he could return later this season to get a true look in the outfield.
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For now, there's no space. Steven Duggar and Kevin Pillar are entrenched and the Giants remain committed to giving Mac Williamson an extended look in left field. Altherr even found it tough to get pinch-hit at-bats, as Tyler Austin is ahead of him in the "right-handed hitting outfielder" pecking order. It was not realistic to carry five outfielders much longer.
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Pomeranz will make his eighth start on Sunday. He has a 5.93 ERA in his first season with the Giants.