Diamondbacks release Gregor Blanco

The Arizona Diamondbacks have released outfielder Gregor Blanco, the team announced Monday.

Blanco was signed to a minor-league contract that included an invite to spring training and an opt-out clause that was coming up at the beginning of April. The 33-year-old outfielder struggled through 40 at-bats while battling an oblique injury. Blanco managed a measly .225/.295/.400 over spring.

Blanco's chances to make the roster had to be considered remote from the beginning. As a left-handed outfielder, Blanco was competing for a backup role with fellow left-handers Jeremy Hazelbaker, Daniel Descalso, and Chris Herrmann. Furthermore, Descalso and Herrmann have the ability to play other positions.

Blanco spent the previous five seasons with the San Francisco Giants, and was a valuable member of a Giants team that won two World Series. From 2012-15, Blanco managed a .710 OPS in 543 games for the Giants. However, in 2016, at the conclusion of his two-year, $7.5-million deal, Blanco regressed to a measly .620 OPS while battling knee and shoulder injuries.

Whether the veteran can find a spot on another team's roster this close to the season seems improbable, though a minor-league deal for a player with his accolades seems distinctly possible.