HOUSTON -- The St. Louis Cardinals designated right-hander Sidney Ponson for assignment on Friday.
Ponson started the season 3-0 but lost his last four decisions, including a 4-2 loss to Houston on Thursday night. He is 4-4 with a 5.24 ERA in 14 games, including 13 starts, this season.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa called it a tough decision.
"His last three games he's pitched well," La Russa said. "Just looking at the second half, there's just no guarantee he's going to be in the rotation and it's a difficult position to put him in. We try to avoid having players on the club who are not in good positions."
The Cardinals have 10 days to trade, release or send Ponson outright to the minors.
Right-hander Jeff Weaver, acquired Wednesday from the Los Angeles Angels, took Ponson's spot on the 25-man roster.
Ponson signed a $1 million contract with the Cardinals and gained a spot in the starting rotation with a strong spring after being released by the Baltimore Orioles last September, in part because of alcohol-related problems. He was 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA last year.
"He really needs to show that he's a quality starting pitcher and we can't guarantee him that spot," La Russa said. "I know he'll pitch someplace else. If they call I'll give him a recommendation."
The pitcher was convicted in December of driving while impaired and sentenced to five days in jail. His arrest in August marked his third drunk driving offense. He also spent 11 days in jail in his native Aruba after fighting on a beach.
The 29-year-old Ponson won 17 games in 2003, when he pitched for the Orioles and Giants.