Dodgers finally face the facts: Charlie Haeger designated for assignment, Jon Link called up

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The Charlie Haeger experiment came to a belated end Friday when the Dodgers designated the right-hander for assignment prior to their game with the Yankees.

The Dodgers filled his spot by calling up right-hander Jon Link from triple-A Albuquerque.

Haeger had a disappointing run with the Dodgers and exits with an 0-4 record and 8.40 earned-run average in nine appearances, six of them starts. The Dodgers kept returning to the knuckleballer as a fifth starter largely because their rotation has been so depleted.

But with Chad Billingsley due off the disabled list Monday and John Ely having secured one spot in the rotation, the need for Haeger has passed.

He pitched 4 2/3 innings Wednesday against the Angels in Anaheim, and left with a 6-4 lead. Ironically, it was his best start since his first one on April 11.

Haeger is out of options and can become a free agent. The Dodgers offered to sign him to an Albuquerque contract, but Haeger said he was uncertain what he would do.

Link was 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA and four saves at Albuquerque.

This will be his third stint with the Dodgers this season. He has a 4.15 ERA in four appearances, but is without a decision.

Link came to the Dodgers with Ely in the offseason trade of Juan Pierre to the White Sox.

-- Steve Dilbeck