SAN FRANCISCO -- It wasn't long ago that Ty Blach stepped in as an emergency starter for the Giants on Opening Day. On Saturday, they designated him for assignment.

Right-hander Logan Webb is eligible to return to Double-A Richmond after serving an 80-game suspension for use of a banned substance. The Giants brought him off the inactive list and cleared a 40-man spot by DFA'ing Blach, who made 87 appearances for them over four years but had pitched in the big leagues just twice this season.

Blach, 28, was a fixture in the rotation at points of the 2017 and 2018 seasons and had some strong runs -- particularly against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, who couldn't quite figure the lefty out. He made 24 starts in 2017 and 13 last year, stepping in on Opening Day when Madison Bumgarner got hurt at the end of the spring.

[RELATED: Giants' lockdown bullpen dreaming of playoffs, not trades]

Blach pitched five shutout innings at Dodger Stadium that afternoon, but overall he had just a 4.56 ERA as a Giant. Both of his appearances this season have been out of the bullpen. Blach had a 5.93 ERA for Triple-A Sacramento.

Webb, 22, was on the fast track before a positive test that he has passionately fought. He threw well in tuneup appearances in recent weeks and still has a chance to finish his season in Triple-A. Webb was in big league camp this spring and should be back next February, with an outside shot at competing for a rotation spot.