With an eye on ultimately cutting ties with Hector Olivera, the Padres on Tuesday designed the 31-year-old infielder for assignment.
He was acquired on Saturday for Matt Kemp in a deal that saves the Padres’ approximately $32 million, but sources have said that Olivera – whose 82-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy ended Monday – likely will not play in the organization.
The court case stemming from an April arrest for allegedly beating a woman that the Braves’ team hotel in Arlington, Va., is still pending.
The Padres considered releasing him outright before designating him for assignment.