On Thursday afternoon it was announced that Dodgers right-hander Brandon League, who has spent then entire first half of the season on the 60-day disabled list, had been designated for assignment as he was nearing the end of his rehab assignment with Dodgers Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City Dodgers.

As Dodger fans know, League was in the final year of his three-year / $22.5 million contract for which he is guaranteed $7.5 million this season whether he plays or not and in spite of the fact that he has not made one pitch this season with the Dodgers.

Although League seemed to be out of favor with Dodger fans more often than not, he never let his struggles cause him to be anything but the consummate professional – especially with the media. He would never shy away from reporters even after a rough outing and was always forthcoming with them.

League began the season on the disabled list after experiencing right shoulder discomfort during spring training. Although a MRI showed no structural damage, doctors suggested that the 32-year-old Sacramento, CA native should undergo arthroscopic surgery for a “clean up” procedure. But because doing so might cause him to miss the entire 2015 season – the last of his three-year contract – League opted for the more conservative rest and rehabilitation route over surgery.

League appeared in 10 rehab games – five with the Quakes and five with the OKC Dodgers – posting an 0-0 record with an outstanding 0.84 ERA in 10.2 innings pitched. During that time he struck out eight and walked only two while allowing 10 hits, one of which was a home run.

In spite of his sometimes shaky history with the Dodgers, League pitched exceptionally well during his 10 rehab games. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

It was widely reported that League had a closed-door meeting with the Dodgers brass earlier in the week and speculation was that a DFA was entirely possible – especially with a Dodgers bullpen that is currently second in the National League in wins (18) and 6th in ERA (3.31). As such and to the surprise of few, the powers that be apparently felt that League would not be an improvement to the team and he was, in fact, designated for assignment.

With $7.5 million still owed to League – prorated of course – it is highly unlikely that he will be claimed off of waivers by another MLB team. If he is not and should he be willing to accept a minor league assignment, there is still a chance that he could return to the big leagues with the Dodgers. And while there are many – most, in fact – who believe that Brandon will refuse a minor league assignment and instead opt for free agency, I honestly believe that he will accept a minor league assignment and take his chances on returning to The Show with a Dodgers team that could go all the way this year. He is, after all, playing with house money…

…a lot of it.