On Thursday, just days after trading for James Shields, the White Sox made another bold move: designating veteran starter Mat Latos for assignment.

Here's what you need to know about the move and its ramifications.

1. The designation process is more straightforward than it sounds

Essentially, teams designate players for assignment when they want to clear space on their 25- or 40-man rosters. In doing so, teams then have 10 days to trade, release, or outright the player to the minors (a process that includes passing the player through waivers). Latos is unlikely to be claimed off waivers -- any claiming team would have to assume the rest of his salary -- and has more than enough service time to reject an outright assignment. For what it's worth, Latos was due $3 million entering the 2016 season. As such, Latos is almost certain to be released in the coming days.

2. Latos has pitched worse than his 6-2 record suggests

Although he started the season well, allowing one run or fewer in each of his first four attempts, he's since notched just one quality start in seven tries. Over that stretch, Latos has allowed 50 hits and 31 runs, and has tallied nearly as many walks (18) as strikeouts (19). His full-season numbers reflect his struggles. He's on pace to post career-worst rates for strikeouts, hits, and home runs -- oh, and he's missing fewer bats and throwing fewer strikes. Oy.

Mat Latos could be nearing the end of his big-league career. USATSI

3. Latos' next chance could be his last

While he remains relatively young (he won't turn 30 until December 2017), his combination of poor play and reputed poor attitude means he's less likely to continue receiving opportunities than most in his situation. Some team chasing cheap innings will probably give Latos a look down the stretch, because that's how these things go. After that? Latos will have to show more of a spark on the mound if he's to extend his big-league career well into his 30s.

4. The White Sox are making an honest effort to right their ship

Adding Shields and banishing Latos are steps in the right direction. Those aren't the only steps the White Sox are taking, either. They've purchased the contract of Tyler Danish (the no. 11 prospect in the system, per MLB.com) and signed Justin Morneau to a one-year deal. Danish's sinker-changeup combination and low arm slot could make him an interesting relief option. Morneau, meanwhile, could see time at DH if and when he returns from elbow surgery. Whether any of the above helps the White Sox stop their recent slide is anyone's guess, but you can't accuse them of inactivity anymore.