Frandsen happy to return to Giants' system

SAN FRANCISCO -- Kevin Frandsen isn't in the Major Leagues, but he's someplace just as cherished: home.

By signing a Minor League contract with the Giants, Frandsen rejoined the franchise that's in his blood. The 33-year-old utility man rooted for the Giants while growing up in San Jose, was drafted by the club in 2004 and broke into the Majors with San Francisco in 2006.

"My feelings on returning are quite simple: I never wanted to leave," Frandsen said in a text message Monday, one day after the club announced his acquisition. "The growth I've had as a player, teammate and person is night and day and I will never take that for granted."

Added Frandsen, who will report to Triple-A Sacramento, "I've stayed very close to many within the organization and it's nice to be able to say I'm a Giant again."

Frandsen, who had big league stints with the Angels, Phillies and Nationals since the Red Sox purchased him from San Francisco toward the end of Spring Training in 2010, built a reputation as a proficient right-handed platoon hitter. From 2012 through 2014, he batted .335, compiled a .382 on-base percentage and recorded a .442 slugging percentage against left-handed pitching. His corresponding numbers against righties in that span were .243, .294 and .315.

After Washington released Frandsen on April 1, he signed with Arizona as a free agent and reported to its Triple-A Reno affiliate. He hit .309 in 26 games for Reno before he was again cut loose, making him available to return to the Giants organization.