Dodgers DFA Chone Figgins

The Dodgers announced that utility man Chone Figgins was designated for assignment. The 36-year old veteran switch-hitter has been on the disabled list since June with what was orginally diagnosed as a quad strain. But ended up actually being a hip flexor injury. The Dodger medical staff misdiagnosed him. He has been on a minor league rehab assignment for the last couple of weeks now, but his timeline expired.

You can only keep a player on a rehab assignment for a maximum of 25 days before you must reinstate them onto the roster, or DFA/release them. Of course we know that Figgins has been cooked for years now. He was once a great table setter and base stealer for the Angels, but he’s old and declined.

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Figgins was batting .217 with a .373 OBP, and was 13 for 60 in 76 plate appearances this year. He had just three extra base hits but walked 14 times.

In 38 games, Figgins saw time all over the diamond. He played ten games at third base, five at second base, and also saw some brief time in left field, and at shortstop. I think the Dodgers just wanted to keep him around as a mentor to Dee Gordon. Maybe they should just make him a coach? Perhaps an infield or bench coach?

If Figgins does clear waivers he could end up right back at Albuquerque. This makes me wonder if the Dodgers might be clearing roster space in anticipation of a trade. Either way, this may not be the last we see of Figgins.