Mark Reynolds has been designated for assignment by the Indians, after struggling for more than two months and seeing his playing time fall in recent weeks. MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli first reported the move, since confirmed by Jordan Bastian and Paul Hoynes.
Reynolds started the season on an incredible hot streak, through May 9 he had a batting line of .291/.367/1.013, with 11 home runs in 110 AB. Since then though, his line had been just .178/.277/.240, with just 4 home runs in 225 AB, making him one of the worst everyday players in the league. Since June 29th, his line has been even worse, .136/.240/.152, with 0 home runs in 66 AB.
When a player is designated for assignment, it means he is immediately removed from the 40-man roster. Reynolds will be placed on waivers, and at some point in the next ten days he'll either be traded to the team that claims him (priority in the event of multiple claims is determined by the standings) or be given to that same team, or he'll clear waivers and either be traded to another team or given his outright release. Reynolds could also clear waivers and choose to accept an assignment in the minor leagues.
Most likely, this move signals the end of Reynolds' time with the Indians. If he'd simply stopped playing after that great first six weeks or so, you could almost argue he'd have been worth the $6 million contract the Tribe signed him to for this season, but he's been a massive negative in the time since then, probably costing the team a win or two. If the Indians can get anything in return for Reynolds, great. If not, so be it. I'll view this as a mercy killing, and hope the team can rebound from this series against Detroit and continue to contend for the second wildcard spot.
Right-handed relief pitcher Preston Guilmet will be called up to replace Reynolds on the 25-man roster for now.