Former Reds infielder heads to the Giants on minor-league deal

Alex Blandino was outrighted by the Cincinnati Reds prior to the MLB lockout, but it didn't take long for the former first-round pick to find a new home.

Actually, Blandino is going home. The 29-year-old has reportedly agreed to a minor-league deal with his hometown San Francisco Giants.

Blandino is from California and attend Stanford University where he was a standout for the Cardinal from 2012-2014.

Former Reds infielder signs with the Giants.

Alex Blandino was a first-round selection of the Cincinnati Reds in 2014.

Though Blandino was still pre-arbitration eligible, the Reds felt compelled to remove the infielder from the 40-man roster.

Cincinnati also removed Brandon Bailey, bringing their roster total to 38 players.

The Redlegs also added pitchers Hunter Greene, Daniel Duarte, Alexis Diaz, and James Marinan. Cincy also selected outfielder Allan Cerda.

Blandino is a right-handed utility infielder; something the Cincinnati Reds have an abundance of.

If Jose Barrero begins the season as the Reds' starting shortstop, that puts Kyle Farmer on the bench as David Bell's most versatile infielder.

Alejo Lopez received a promotion to the big leagues last season as well, and Brian Rey is knocking on the door.

Cincinnati also has left-handed hitting utility infielder Max Schrock on the roster in addition to the combination of third basemen Mike Moustakas and Eugenio Suárez.

The long and short of it is, the Reds have more than enough infielders and Alex Blandino was expendable.

The former first-rounder never lived up to the hype. While Blandino offered a very patient approach at the plate, as evidenced by his .339 career on-base percentage, he would oftentimes take too many pitches.

Alex Blandino never got things rolling with the Reds.

Alex Blandino, according to FanGraphs, has an 11.1% walk-rate, but also a 29.7% strikeout-rate.

Last season, Blandino posted a K-rate of 34.1% in 82 plate appearances. While hitting just .200, Blandino struck out 28 times.

After going on the 60-day IL last season, Blandino began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville.

Blandino never was added back to the active roster, and hit just .102 in 18 games with the Bats.

Though Blandino posted a walk-rate of 18.4%, his wRC+ of 39 was flat-out woeful.

Hopefully Alex Blandino will find success in San Francisco. Here's wishing him the very best.