Heyward is now free to pursue an opportunity elsewhere after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 35-year-old veteran was designated for assignment over the weekend after posting a lackluster .176/.223/.271 triple-slash line with two homers in 34 games this season for the Padres.

Heyward is currently on the 10-day injured list with his oblique strain, but the Padres are booting him from the roster rather than activating him off the injured list. The 35-year-old has scuffled to a .176/.223/.271 slash when healthy, and isn’t likely to see a ton of interest on the waiver wire. It only takes one team, however.

Heyward is working his way back from a left oblique strain that has shelved him since May 24. It’s not clear how many at-bats he’ll need there before he’s ready to return at help out the Padres at the big league level. Prior to landing on the injured list, the 35-year-old was slashing an anemic .176/.223/.271 with two homers and 12 RBI over his first 95 plate appearances with the Padres.

Heyward has been out since late May with a left oblique strain. His return would give San Diego another veteran outfielder off the bench.