DENVER–When the Giants added recent acquisition Abiatal Avelino to their roster Tuesday, they created space for the infielder by transferring right-hander Jeff Samardzija to a suddenly crowded 60-day disabled list.
Samardzija is one of five Giants players on the 60-day disabled list, joining catcher Buster Posey, pitcher Johnny Cueto, outfielder Steven Duggar and Rule 5 draftee Julian Fernández who missed the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The 60-day disabled list is a wonderful utility for teams facing in-season roster crunches, as it allows franchises to add players to their 40-man roster without subjecting another player to the waiver wire.