Federowicz gets the call after deciding not to opt out

When Tim Federowicz signed a minor-league contract with the Giants in December, he included an optout clause in case he didn’t make the big-league roster out of spring training.

He didn’t exercise it and reported to Triple-A Sacramento.

And a bit more than a week into the season, Federowicz is a big-leaguer as the replacement for Buster Posey, who went on the sevenday concussion disabled list Tuesday.

Asked why he chose to stay in the organization, Federowicz cited his relationship with general manager Bobby Evans.

“He’s straightforward, speaks the truth. Everything he’s told me has held up,” Federowicz said. “Yes, he gave me the opportunity to leave, but I’d love to play for somebody who’s truthful in what they say and treats me straight. It’s hard to find in this business sometimes.”

Federowicz, 29, who spent parts of four seasons with the Dodgers before appearing in 17 games with last year’s champion Cubs, was advised to stay in Sacramento on Tuesday and not accompany the River Cats to Salt Lake City in case he was needed in San Francisco. He was.

With Sacramento, he caught Tyler Beede’s Triple-A debut. The Giants’ top pitching prospect surrendered one run in six innings.

“Really good stuff. I was very impressed,” Federowicz said. “He had life to his fastball, a really sharp breaking ball, control of all four of his pitches. He was fun to catch.” Blackburn out: Pitching prospect Clayton Blackburn could be on the verge of getting traded.

The Giants designated him for assignment to open space on the 40-man roster for Federowicz, and they have seven days to trade, release or try passing him through waivers, in which case he’d surely be claimed by another team.

Evans said Blackburn is highly regarded elsewhere.

“I would like to keep him,” Evans said, “but I don’t really see that being an easy solution.”