Heston clears waivers, becomes free agent

SAN FRANCISCO -- Minor League pitcher Chris Heston cleared waivers and was released by the Giants on Tuesday. He is now a free agent.

Heston was designated for assignment July 13 when the club signed outfielder Jeff Francoeur and needed to free up a spot on the 40-man roster.

He impressed in 2012 when he posted a 2.24 ERA in 148 2/3 innings in 2012 at Double-A Richmond. While he is not a hard thrower, his bread and butter was inducing groundouts.

This year, at Triple-A Fresno, he struggled with a 5.80 ERA in 108 2/3 innings. San Francisco had protected him from the Rule 5 Draft last offseason by placing him on the 40-man roster.