A.J. Griffin was designated for assignment Friday.

Griffin was designated for assignment Friday.

Analysis:

Griffin made just four appearances in 2015 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April of 2014 before suffering a shoulder strain that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. With the signing of Rich Hill, the club needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, so it appears Griffin will start the season in the minors if healthy.