Scott Kazmir, 37, designated for assignment by San Francisco Giants after three appearances

SAN FRANCISCO -- Scott Kazmir, the 37-year-old left-hander who returned to the major leagues two weeks ago after nearly five years away, was designated for assignment by the Giants on Saturday.

San Francisco announced the move prior to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

A three-time All-Star, Kazmir was 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in three appearances (two starts) for San Francisco. He started against the Cubs on Friday and lasted two innings, giving up a two-run homer to Kris Bryant in the first inning.

Prior to last month. Kazmir last appeared in big leagues in 2016. He pitched in just seven innings during his stint with the Giants, striking out seven.

On May 22, Kazmir made his Giants debut after pitching for Triple-A Sacramento. He ended up being the hard-luck loser in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving a tight game with just one earned run in four innings to go along with two strikeouts. The Dodgers won 6-3.

"I threw strikes, which was my main goal," Kazmir said at the time. "We kind of had the mindset to get two or three innings. I was able to get some quick outs. All in all, I was happy with the outing. It's a proud moment for me."

Giants manager Gabe Kapler, a former teammate of Kazmir, spoke emotionally back in May, when the team decided to call him up. Kapler called from a plane to break the news.

"It was actually pretty gratifying to be able to deliver that to him and actually through the phone I could tell that he was smiling," said Kapler, who played with Kazmir for Tampa Bay in 2009.

San Francisco filled the roster spot with right-handed pitcher Camilo Doval, who was recalled from Sacramento in time for the game against the Cubs.

Doval did not appear in the win, as Kevin Gausman struck out 10 in seven smooth innings, Alex Dickerson homered for the second consecutive day and the San Francisco Giants kept rolling. The Giants won their third straight over the Cubs, and have won nine of 11 overall.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.