Clayton

Tanner

Tanner pitched for Team Australia this month in the World Baseball Classic. The lefty will probably open the 2013 regular season in the bullpen at Triple-A Norfolk.

Tanner hooked up in a nice pitcher’s duel with Colorado’s Esmil Rogers, who struck out eight in seven scoreless innings. Tanner, a 20-year-old lefty, is one of the Giants’ top pitching prospects, though he doesn’t have great upside. He could fit in at the back of the rotation before the end of 2009.

The move was made in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Eric Surkamp. Tanner’s prospect status has fallen off in recent years and he sports a middling 4.36 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 22 starts at Double-A Richmond. He could clear waivers and remain in the organization.

Tanner, 23, was designated for assignment over the weekend to make room for Eric Surkamp on the 40-man roster. The 2006 third-round pick had a 4.36 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 22 starts at Double-A Richmond this season.

Tanner, who was released by the Giants at the end of August, was assigned to Triple-A Louisville. The 23-year-old left-hander has a 3.64 ERA over parts of six seasons in the minor leagues.