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The Chicago Cubs have designated 30-year-old outfielder Nate Schierholtz for assignment, according to the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales. Schierholtz's designation makes room on the roster for right-hander Kyuji Fujikawa, who has been activated from the 60-day disabled list.
Schierholtz has been an overwhelming disappointment this season, posting a .192/.240/.300 slash line, 49 OPS+, and -1.1 WAR. The Cubs made the curious decision not to trade him last summer when he was enjoying a career year that saw him hit for a 108 OPS+ and 21 home runs. Schierholtz had posted an above-average OPS+ for three straight seasons heading into this year, and is making $5 million this season.
Schierholtz will be a free agent following the season, and he could be useful for a team looking for a reserve outfielder or left-handed side of a platoon. For his career, Schierholtz has a .722 OPS against right-handers versus just a .650 OPS against lefties.
The 34-year-old Fujikawa has yet to pitch in the majors this year, and posted a 5.25 ERA, 2.80 FIP, 10.5 K/9, and 1.5 BB/9 in 12 appearances with the Cubs last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June.