Scott Alexander: Everything you need to know

The Giants outrighted Alexander off the major-league roster Friday, and he elected free agency after clearing waivers. The left-hander joined San Francisco on a minor-league deal in mid-June and was added to the big-league roster July 5, and he gave up an earned run on three hits and two walks over 1.1 innings with the Giants. Alexander is now back on the open market but will likely have to settle for another minor-league contract.

Alexander's contract was selected from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Erik Miller was placed on the IL with a sprained elbow, and Alexander was summoned to serve as a lefty bullpen replacement. Alexander had a 13.50 ERA, 2.63 WHIP and 3:2 K:BB in 5.1 innings at Triple-A and gave up 11 earned runs in 16.1 innings with the Rockies earlier this year.

The Giants signed Alexander to a minor-league contract Tuesday. Alexander was cut loose by the Rockies in late May after allowing 11 runs with a 6:7 K:BB over 16.1 innings. However, the veteran southpaw had a career 3.20 ERA and 66.8 percent groundball rate prior to this season, making him worthy of a gamble on a minor-league pact.