The Chicago Cubs designated outfielder Carlos Gonzalez for assignment Saturday.
If Gonzalez clears waivers, the Cubs will ask him to accept an assignment to Triple-A Iowa, but it’s uncertain whether the 33-year-old will do so.
Gonzalez hit .175 (7-for-40) with one homer and three RBIs in 15 games with the Cubs. He struck out 19 times in 49 plate appearances.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon consistently praised Gonzalez’s veteran leadership during his brief stint with the club, but Gonzalez failed to produce at the plate like he did in the locker room. The three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner had just one hit in his last 17 at-bats.
Teammates hugged Gonzalez after Friday’s 6-3 loss against the Cincinnati Reds, providing the first hint that his tenure with the big league club might be over.
In 1,377 career games, Gonzalez has hit .285 with 1,432 hits, 234 home runs and 785 RBIs. He also has 122 stolen bases.