Latest roster cuts, MLB rule changes do little to clarify Giants’ future

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Javier Lopez pitches the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Lopez was tagged for a run as the Padres won 9-1. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–First-year president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi didn’t sign many major league free agents this winter, but the first one he acquired is no longer expected to open the year with the Giants.

Pat Venditte, a versatile switch-pitcher signed to provide bullpen depth, was among four players sent out of camp after Thursday’s loss to the Diamondbacks. Venditte and utility player Austin Slater were optioned following the…