The Giants designated Kirk Rueter for assignment Sunday after activating him from the disabled list. The 34-year-old left-hander lost his spot in the rotation last month and is 2-7 with a 5.95 ERA in 20 games. "There's a time in everyone's career when things start to happen," manager Felipe Alou said. "We expected a lot from him. I hope he goes to another team. He's still young enough to contribute." Rueter had been with the Giants since 1996, compiling a record of 105-80. He ranks third in career starts for San Francisco with 277, trailing only Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry. Rueter had been on the disabled list with gout in his right big toe and last pitched July 29, when he was chased in the fourth inning against Milwaukee.