The Marlins have designated 25-year old righty starting pitcher Elih Villanueva for assignment. Villanueva pitched in 1 game (1 start) for the Marlins last year and he was 0-1 with a 24.00 ERA and a 3.33 WHIP. That was his major league debut. Villanueva also pitched in 28 games (all starts) in AAA-ball for the Marlins last year and he was 7-11 with a 5.35 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP. He has now pitched in 95 games (87 starts) in his first four years in the minors and he is 33-29 with a 3.54 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Villanueva might not make it through waivers.

UPDATE: (1/13/2012) - Elih Villanueva has cleared waivers and he has accepted an outright assignment to AAA.