Dodgers Don't Plan To Release Sherrill If He Refuses Minor League Assignment

A source has confirmed that the Dodgers do not plan to release reliever George Sherrill if he refuses a minor league assignment.

Once the outright waivers expire after 48 hours, which is expected to be Friday, the Dodgers must either release Sherrill or keep him on the major league roster should he decline that assignment. As a player with five years of service time, Sherrill must consent to the minor league assignment.

Report: Dodgers Place George Sherrill On Outright Waivers

The Dodgers have placed George Sherrill on outright waivers, per Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse, reported via Twitter:

Sources: #Dodgers put reliever George Sherrill (7.32 ERA) on outright waivers.

Sherrill has a hefty $4.5 million salary, meaning it is unlikely that another team would claim him and risk being on the hook for his remaining salary. With just over five years of service time, Sherrill cannot be sent to the minors without his consent.

On True Blue LA, I analyzed the transaction as follows:

The Dodgers are no doubt looking to acquire relief help at the July 31 trade deadline, which at the very least is ironic. The pitcher they paid so much for last season has been unreliable at best this season, creating the very hole they are looking to fill. That is the nature of middle relief. Sherrill should give the Dodgers pause as they jump back into the murky trade waters again.

Sherrill is 0-1 this season with a 7.32 ERA in 19 2/3 innings.