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Earlier today, the Giants announced that they designated third baseman Casey McGehee for assignment. Despite a contract worth $5 million, the Giants decided that McGehee simply wasn't doing enough to justify a spot on the 25-man roster and made a change. Through 35 games this season, he produced a meager wRC+ of 51, and fWAR of -0.7.
Hank Schulman noted that it's unusual for the Giants to DFA a starting player so early into the season. The issue was likely forced by the surprisingly strong and consistent play from rookie infielder Matt Duffy.
After being called up directly from AA, Duffy proceeded to hit .267/.302/.300 and was remarkably valuable as a pinch hitter during the 2014 season. He excelled in spring training, and earned himself more regular playing time as McGehee struggled. In 105 PA's this season, Duffy has posted a wRC+ of 109, and an fWAR of 0.6, both of which represent significant upgrades.
The Giants hope that this isn't the last they've seen from McGehee however.
Giants hope McGehee decides to go to AAA. McGehee said he has to talk to wife, kids.
— Alex Pavlovic (@AlexPavlovic) May 24, 2015
While it remains to be seen whether or not he'll accept a minor league assignment with SF, McGehee doesn't expect this to be the end of his career. He still feels as though he's "got a lot left in the tank" and is generally the same player from last year who finished with a .287/.355/.357 slash line, and a wRC+ of 102.
The Giants are now on the hook for the remainder of McGehee's salary, and it seems unlikely that he'll remain with the club. While he didn't perform well in SF, he's still a known commodity and will probably find himself back with a big league club soon.