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Giants release Gordon Beckham

Jason O. Watson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The San Francisco Giants' crowded infield picture became slightly clearer when they released veteran infielder Gordon Beckham on Thursday.

Beckham, in camp on a minor-league deal, had requested his release after the Giants told him he wouldn't be making the team, according to Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News.

"He's got value at the major-league level, but we've got options here and we felt we should make the call as soon as possible for his benefit," general manager Bobby Evans told Baggarly. "He's a pro. It's just important when you're dealing with a veteran player to give them all the time you can."

The 30-year-old Beckham first joined the Giants in the last week of the 2016 season, when he was acquired from Atlanta on Sept. 27 of last year following Eduardo Nunez's season-ending hamstring injury. After not recording a hit in three games with the Giants, he returned to compete for a bench spot on a minor-league deal but struggled at the plate this spring, recording just five hits in 26 Cactus League at-bats.

A former eighth overall pick by the Chicago White Sox, Beckham owns a career .240/.303/.370 slash line with 74 home runs, 335 RBIs, and 589 strikeouts in 953 games with the White Sox, Giants, Braves, and Los Angeles Angels.

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