The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated left-hander Ted Lilly for assignment in order to make room for Elian Herrera, according to an announcement from the team. The team will now have ten days to trade, release, waive or outright the 37-year old.
Lilly, who has only made five starts on the season due to injury, was let go after a disagreement with the Dodgers about his future, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com's Mark Saxon.
The Dodgers DFA'd Ted Lilly after a disagreement about whether he would go to the minors to adjust to relief work
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) July 25, 2013
With the Dodgers possessing a full starting rotation after the acquisition of Ricky Nolasco, Lilly's role with the team has been in doubt. He was expected to join the Dodgers' bullpen, but apparently did not want to go to the minor leagues to adjust to the change. He now is available to any team that is looking for a left-handed arm and willing to pick up the roughly $5 million remaining on his expiring contract.
While a team may take a chance on Lilly by claiming him off waivers, a trade with the Dodgers taking on some of his salary is the most likely scenario. Any trade would have to happen before next Wednesday, which is the non-waiver trade deadline.
In five starts on the season, Lilly is 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA, 7.0 K/9, and 3.9 BB/9. In fifteen major league seasons with the Expos (1999), Yankees (2000-2002), Athletics (2002-2003), Blue Jays (2004-2006), Cubs (2007-2010) and Dodgers (2010-2013), Lilly has posted a 130-113 record with a 4.14 ERA, 7.6 K/9, and 3.0 BB/9. He is in the final year of the 3-year, $33 million extension he signed with the Dodgers before the 2011 season, and will hit the open market this winter.
