The Marlins designated Villalobos for assignment Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Designating Villabos for assignment clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Devin Smeltzer. The right-hander struggled to an 11.57 ERA over three appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp to open the Triple-A season. If unclaimed, Villalobos likely will remain with Miami as a bullpen option in Jacksonville.