Samardzija was designated for assignment and placed on unconditional release waivers by the Giants on Saturday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samardzija made his final start of the regular season Friday after missing most of the year with right shoulder inflammation. He was believed to be a bullpen option for the Giants during the postseason, but he'll be let go as the team pushes for a playoff spot over the last two days of the season. The 35-year-old was in the final year of his contract with San Francisco, but he said Saturday that he's "100 percent" committed to continuing his career in 2021.

Samardzija gave up three runs on three hits while fanning one across three innings but did not factor into the decision in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Padres on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Samardzija had been sidelined since early August with right shoulder inflammation and, while he didn't impress anyone with his performance, he was healthy enough to throw 46 pitches (31 strikes) Friday. That could be relevant since the veteran right-hander might be available out of the bullpen if the Giants make the playoffs.

Samardzija (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list to start Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the padres, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander has been sidelined by early August with right shoulder inflammation, but he's set to rejoin the roster ahead of the final weekend of the regular season. Samardzija threw a five-inning simulated game last week and had a thee-inning session this week, so he appears to be fairly stretched out. He struggled with a 9.88 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 13.1 innings before going down with the injury. The Giants don't have any openings in the rotation beyond the twin bill, so the 35-year-old seems likely to shift to the bullpen after Friday, though that will only be relevant if the Giants make the playoffs.

Samardzija (shoulder) could be activated from the 10-day injured list to start one half of Friday's doubleheader with the Padres, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samardzija moved to the IL on Aug. 8 with right shoulder inflammation, but the 35-year-old is seemingly back to full health now. The playoff-hopeful Giants don't currently have an opening in their five-man rotation for Samardzija, though that will change due to the doubleheader, which will result in the team closing out the regular season with six games in five days. Samardzija has seemingly kept his arm conditioned for starting duty at the Giants' alternate site in Sacramento, as he followed up a five-inning simulated game last week with a three-inning throwing session Monday. If Samardzija does indeed get a starting nod in the twin bill, he would be difficult to trust from a fantasy standpoint after he posted a 9.88 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over his three outings prior to landing on the IL.

Samardzija (shoulder) will throw a five-inning simulated game at the alternate training site Thursday, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander completed a four-inning sim game last week with strong results, and he'll continue building up his workload Thursday. The availability of Kevin Gausman (elbow) could determine whether Samardzija works as a starter or reliever upon his return from the injured list.

The Giants have yet to clarify what Samardzija's (shoulder) role will look like when he's activated from the 10-day injured list, but he appears more likely to work out of the bullpen than rejoining the rotation, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though manager Gabe Kapler said Samardzija's "stuff looked good" during a four-inning simulated game Thursday, the Giants may only be asking the right-hander to build up his arm in the event the club needs another rotation arm. Ultimately, Samardzija's role could be tied to the health of Kevin Gausman (elbow), who is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday. If Gausman's tests bear bad news and he's forced to the IL, Samardzija could be called upon to start before the season concludes. However, if Gausman isn't forced to miss time, Samardzija will likely prepare for a multi-inning role out of the bullpen over the final two weeks of the regular season before hitting free agency this winter.

Samardzija (shoulder) will throw another simulated game Thursday, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samardzija continues to work his way back from the shoulder inflammation that he's been battling since early August. He doesn't have much time left to make his return, but it appears as though he'll have a shot to make at least an appearance or two before the end of the campaign.

Samardzija (shoulder) will throw three innings in a simulated game Saturday, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samardzija struggled to a 9.88 ERA in three starts before being diagnosed with shoulder inflammation back in early August. It initially appeared as though there was a chance the veteran's season would end prematurely, but it now looks as though he'll have time to make a handful of starts before the end of the year. It's not yet clear whether or not Saturday's session will be his final one before he's ready to return, however.

Samardzija (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session Saturday and is on track to face hitters Tuesday at the Giants' alternate training site in Sacramento, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samardzija hasn't thrown a competitive pitch since experiencing inflammation in his right shoulder following his last start with the Giants on Aug. 7, but he looks to be closing in on a return from the 10-day injured list. After completing two side sessions without incident, he'll take another step forward in his throwing program by facing hitters. If all goes well Tuesday, Samardzija could be a candidate to rejoin the San Francisco rotation as soon as Sept. 5 against Arizona, when the Giants may need a new pitcher to start in place of the injured Trevor Cahill (hip).

Samardzija (shoulder inflammation) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has been throwing on flat ground and is progressing well. It sounds like Samardzija is making steady progress, but there will be several more checkpoints for him to hit after his bullpen session before he will be able to return to the big-league rotation.