Giants part ways with OF Parra, call up Gerber

CINCINNATI -- Outfielder Gerardo Parra's disappointing April prompted the San Francisco Giants to replace him with a player who's been hot in the minors.

The Giants designated Parra for assignment on Friday before the start of a series against the Reds. Mike Gerber was called up to take is spot in a lineup that's struggling to hit.

"We'll miss him, but it was time to give Gerber a look," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's going to be in the big leagues somewhere because he can impact a game defensively.

"It's tough to say goodbye to a really good guy and player with Parra. I consider myself fortunate to get a chance to know him."

The 31-year-old Parra signed a minor league deal on Feb. 12 that included a $1.75 million salary when he made the Giants. Parra struggled in 30 games, batting .198 with one homer and six RBIs. The Giants batted only .231 in their last 10 games.

San Francisco claimed the 26-year-old Gerber off waivers from Detroit last December. He was batting .357 with six homers and 15 RBIs at Triple-A Sacramento.

The Giants also put catcher Erik Kratz on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring and recalled right-hander Tyler Beede to start against the Reds on Friday. Kratz aggravated the hamstring last month but has continued playing.