Dodgers designate Chone Figgins for assignment

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Wednesday designated infielder Chone Figgins for assignment, likely ending his tenure with the club. He is removed from the 40-man roster immediately, and the Dodgers have 10 days to figure out what to do next.

If Figgins does clear waivers, he could decline any assignment to the minors and become a free agent.

Tuesday marked the 20th and final day of a minor league rehab assignment for Figgins, who was on the disabled list with a left hip flexor. The Dodgers either had to add him back to the active roster or designate him for assignment, but manager Don Mattingly on Monday made it clear the direction the team was headed.

"We've been playing pretty well, and I like our club the way it's situated right now," Mattingly said.

Figgins fell behind Miguel Rojas on the infield depth chart, and the club also traded for defensive specialist Darwin Barney on July 28.

"The real fit for us is having a shortstop who could play late," Mattingly said Wednesday. "That really didn't fit what Figgins woul give us."

The 36-year-old Figgins played 11 games with Triple-A Albuquerque on his rehab assignment, hitting .289 (11-for-38) with five walks. He last appeared in a game for the Isotopes on July 30.

Figgins last played for the Dodgers on June 13.

After being out of baseball for a year after getting cut by the Marlins in spring training in 2013, Figgins defied the odds and made the Dodgers' opening day roster in 2014. He hit .217/.373/.267 with 14 walks in 76 plate appearances in 38 games.

Figgins started eight games at third base and four games at second base, and appeared in two other games at shortstop and part of one inning in left field.

The Dodgers' 40-man roster now stands at 39 players.