Prep baseball: Milledge designated for assignment

(photo by Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago White Sox have designated Lastings Milledge for assignment, according to a story on MLB.com.

The Palmetto native and Lakewood Ranch grad made the team after a strong spring. He appeared in two games for the White Sox and went 1-4 with a double and a run scored. The White Sox will replace him on the roster with relief pitcher Jeff Gray.

If Milledge makes it through waivers, he can either sign with another team or return to the White Sox as a minor-leaguer.

"Personally, it was very hard for me to do it," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said in a story by ESPNChicago.com's Doug Padilla, adding the decision was based less on Milledge's performance and more on Chicago's need for depth in the bullpen. "He handled it very well. I talked to Milledge about the problem we have. Unfortunately, that's part of the game. It's one of the hardest talks I've ever had with any of the players."

A first-round pick of the New York Mets in 2003, Milledge has also played with the Mets, Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates.