Programming note: Giants Insider Andrew Baggarly is in Arizona; check back for his coverage throughout spring training and watch SportsNet Central nightly at 6 and 10:30 p.m. for all the day’s MLB news.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Kameron Loe provided one of the most memorable sights of the spring when the 6-foot-8 right-hander managed to squeeze into Tim Lincecum’s uniform.
But Loe won’t find a Giants uniform to fit him on Opening Day.
The veteran pitcher had the ability to opt out of his minor league contract on Monday but he requested and received his release after the Giants informed him on Friday that he was no longer in the running for a bullpen spot.
Loe told me he wouldn’t close the door to re-signing with the Giants and going to Triple-A Fresno. But a lot of teams are looking for pitching and he’s hoping to find a big league opportunity with another club.
[REWIND: Lincecum hits 10-inch growth spurt as Giants get playful]
“I was looking forward to contributing to this team, but if it’s not going that way, I wish them luck,” Loe told me. “Who knows? I may be back.”
Loe, 32, has a 4.49 ERA in 322 major league games over parts of nine seasons with the Rangers, Brewers, Mariners, Cubs and Braves. The Giants signed him after he had a strong showing in winter ball. He gave up runs in three of his five outings this spring but was 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA.
“Getting the sinker going in Arizona air is a little tough at first,” he said. “But I felt the last couple outings I had it going. I was throwing strikes and getting ahead. I feel good with where I’m at.”
The Giants are down to seven candidates for the final three bullpen spots, and it might be as simple as choosing the three arms who are out of minor league options: right-hander Yusmeiro Petit, left-hander David Huff and right-hander Jean Machi.
George Kontos, Derek Law, J.C. Gutierrez and Dan Runzler are the others still in big league camp.
The club has five non-roster invitees still in camp, including outfielder Tyler Colvin. But his opt-out date isn’t until March 31, which is awfully convenient for the Giants. That’s the day they open the season at Arizona. The only other non-roster position player still in camp is infielder Brandon Hicks, who has a shot to make the club if Marco Scutaro begins the year on the disabled list.
Hicks does not have the ability to opt out.
