Miguel

Gomez

Gomez was removed from the Giants’ 40-man roster and will now hit the open market. The 25-year-old has shown very little during his brief time in the majors, but he’s been a pretty good offensive player in the minors so he’ll find work.

The 23-year-old had a breakout season offensively in 2016, slashing .330/.363/.519 with 17 homers and 67 RBI in 109 games between Class-A Augusta and High-A San Jose. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs once transitioning to Double-A in 2017.

Gomez hasn’t played above A-ball, so he wasn’t going to make the team. He’ll continue to gain some seasoning in the minors.

Gomez had been slated to return Saturday following a short rehab assignment with High-A San Jose, but obviously that’s no longer an option. He’ll be in a holding pattern until the Giants clear him for rehab games. So far the rookie has eight hits including two doubles in 33 big league at-bats.

Gomez, 24, has batted .305/.330/.458 with eight homers at Richmond this season. He’ll function in a utility role.

Mark Melancon (elbow) was activated in the corresponding move. Gomez hasn’t played since tweaking his knee Tuesday against the Cubs. The 24-year-old rookie has managed eight hits in 33 at-bats since his call-up last month (.242 AVG).

Joe Panik replaced Gomez at second base in the top of the second inning. Gomez finished the night 0-for-1 and is batting just .242/.235/.303 so far in the major leagues.

The knee issue caused him to leave Tuesday’s game against the Cubs after just one inning, but it’s apparently not too serious. Gomez, 24, is batting just .242/.235/.303 over his first 22 major league games.

Gomez, 24, has batted .305/.330/.458 with eight homers at Richmond this season. He’s capable of playing first, second and third base and also has experience at catcher (although he hasn’t played there in a couple years). A corresponding move isn’t known.

Gomez will first play in a couple of minor league rehab games Thursday and Friday at High-A San Jose. The 24-year-old infielder has been sidelined since August 8 because of inflammation in his right knee.