White Sox's John Danks: Designated for assignment Tuesday

Danks declined his assignment to the minors Tuesday, electing free agency instead Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Danks was lit up in his first four starts of the season, posting a 7.25 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, and allowing five home runs over just 22.1 innings. Chicago will have to eat the remainder of his $15.75 million contract, but it appears they were ready to give up on the lefty. Erik Johnson is expected to join the big league team and slot into the rotation in his stead, while Danks should have the opportunity to land at least a minor league deal somewhere else.