The Padres have designated struggling third baseman Chase Headley for assignment and recalled infielder Cory Spangenberg from Triple-A El Paso.

The 34-year-old Headley was reacquired from the Yankees along with right-hander Bryan Mitchell in the offseason. The Padres liked Mitchell so much that they were willing to take on Headley's $13 million salary.

But Headley was hitting just .115 (6 for 52) with no home runs and four RBI at the time of Saturday's move. He had made only six starts at third base and three at first base.