Utility player Orlando Calixte will return to the San Francisco Giants’ organization in 2018, but he’ll do so without a 40-man roster spot.
The Giants announced Monday that the 25-year-old Calixte cleared waivers, and was outrighted to AAA Sacramento, meaning he’ll remain with the organization after being designated for assignment last week.
Calixte hit .143 over 49 at-bats in 29 games with the Giants this season, filling in at all three outfield spots as well as at third base and shortstop for a San Francisco team that struggled with depth last year. Prior to 2017, Calixte had appeared in just two Major League games, both coming with the Kansas City Royals in 2015.
Though Calixte cleared waivers, 26-year-old infielder Micah Johnson did not, as he was claimed by the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. Johnson joined the Giants earlier this offseason on a waiver claim, but was also designated for assignment when San Francisco added four prospects to its 40-man roster last week. Once a highly touted prospect in the White Sox organization, the second baseman has appeared in 61 Major League games over three seasons.
Johnson is the second infielder the Giants have lost to a waiver claim this offseason, as Engelb Vielma was claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies on November 20. The Giants placed a waiver claim on Vielma during the regular season, and acquired him from the Minnesota Twins.
Though neither Johnson or Vielma were considered high-level prospects, they could have added organizational depth with AAA Sacramento last season and had a chance to develop in a farm system that will now be directed by former Giants’ infielder and long-time Major League veteran David Bell.