PHOENIX -- Former All-Star infielder Jake Lamb has been designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks after struggling for nearly three straight seasons.
The 29-year-old Lamb hit 29 homers in 2016 and then made the NL All-Star team in 2017 while setting career highs with 30 homers and 105 RBIs. Since then, the third baseman has battled injuries and inconsistency, hitting just 12 homers over the past three seasons.
He didn't get much playing time for the D-backs this season and had just five hits in 43 at-bats (.116). He had a prorated salary of $2,042,593.
Lamb's spot on the roster was taken by first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith, who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 draft. The 24-year-old Smith, who played in college at Virginia, will be making his major league debut.