© Rick Osentoski | 2018 Sep 18
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The San Francisco Giants announced today that they have acquired first baseman/outfielder Tyler Austin from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league outfielder Malique Ziegler.
Austin, 27, made the Twins’ Opening Day roster and appeared in two games. He set career highs in games (69), at-bats (244), runs (34), hits (56), doubles (10), home runs (17), RBI (47) and walks (19) between New York-AL and Minnesota last season. He was acquired by the Twins from the Yankees in exchange for Lance Lynn last year.
Drafted by the Yankees in the 13th round of the 2010 draft, Austin has spent parts of the last four seasons in the big leagues combining for a .232 batting average, 16 doubles, 24 home runs and 67 RBI in 122 games with the Yankees (2016-18) and Twins (2018-19).
Ziegler, 22, was drafted by the Giants in the 22nd round of the 2016 draft and has spent the last four seasons in San Francisco’s minor league chain, hitting .245 with 81 runs scored, 25 doubles, nine triples, nine home runs and 47 RBI in 143 games. He appeared in two games with Class A Advanced San Jose this season.
To make room for Austin on the 40-man roster, the Giants designated infielder/outfielder Connor Joe for assignment. Austin will be added to the Giants’ 25-man roster.