Veteran switch-hitter Justin Smoak hit .186 with a .642 OPS in 113 at-bats for the Milwaukee Brewers this season, but when he became a free agent on Sunday, the San Francisco Giants viewed him as a potential upgrade over Pablo Sandoval.
After signing Smoak to a minor league deal Wednesday, the Giants placed Sandoval on unconditional release waivers Thursday and added Smoak to the major league roster. The club also made another roster move Thursday, bringing left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly (left in. . .