Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants have had poor recent luck with flier outfielders named “Joe.”
A season after Connor Joe was their short-lived Opening Day left fielder, Joe McCarthy was the unexpected right fielder in their Opening Day lineup, the lefty hitter getting the nod when LA flipped to righty Dustin May as their starter.
McCarthy lasted four games, going 0-for-10 before being demoted to Sacramento and now has been designated for assignment to clear 40-man roster space for Joey Bart.
The Giants like the 26-year-old McCarthy, who has a history of good plate discipline but also of injuries that kept him from debuting until this year. Farhan Zaidi had traded for him from they Rays at last year’s trade deadline, giving up lefty Jacob Lopez for the high-upside option.
At least thus far, it has not worked out. The Giants will hope he clears waivers. McCarthy will hope he gets another opportunity anywhere to record his first major league hit.