CINCINNATI -- In their latest switch of outfield journeymen, the Giants selected the contract of Justin Ruggiano from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday and designated Robert Stubbs for assignment.
Ruggiano, who has spent parts of eight seasons (2007-08, 2011-16) in the Majors with the Rays, Marlins, Cubs, Mariners, Dodgers, Rangers and Mets, hit .259 with zero home runs and four RBIs in 15 games for Sacramento.
Ruggiano prompted his promotion with a hitting surge in his final two games for Sacramento, going 5-for-9 against Fresno.
A non-roster invitee to Spring Training, Ruggiano was among the last players cut before the Opening Day roster was set. San Francisco's initial choice for a part-time outfield spot was Chris Marrero, who ultimately was designated for assignment and lost his role to Stubbs. In turn, Stubbs was DFA'd and replaced on the active roster by Ruggiano, 35. Stubbs hit .091 (2-for-22) in 10 games with San Francisco.
Ruggiano said he simply hopes to become "a piece of the puzzle. I believe, just from watching these guys, that things will start turning around."
Immediately installed in the lineup Saturday, Ruggiano became the seventh player to start in left field this season for San Francisco, joining Marrero (nine games), Jarrett Parker (seven), Brandon Belt (seven), Eduardo Nunez (three), Gorkys Hernandez (two) and Aaron Hill (two).
"I hope somebody steps up here soon," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.