Dodgers designate Erisbel Arruebarrena to make room for Brett Anderson

Say this for Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten, he’s not only letting new President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman reshape what ex-General Manager Ned Colletti built, but also what Kasten did.

The Dodgers finally announced the signing of left-hander Brett Anderson to a one-year deal Wednesday, but the more interesting news was that they designated shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena for assignment to make room for Anderson on the 40-man.

The Dodgers signed the Cuban defector less than a year ago to a five-year, $25-million contract.

Arruebarrena did get called up last season, and if his glove appeared as smooth as advertised, he looked almost hopelessly overmatched at the plate. His painfully long swing produced just eight hits in 41 at-bats (.195).

Never could figure out why the Dodgers called him up, particularly when they already had the good-fielding, poor-hitting shortstop Miguel Rojas on the roster.

Arruebarrena, 24, is still owed about $17.5 million on his contract, so it’s unlikely any team would claim him. If he clears waivers, the Dodgers can assign him to triple-A. They could also trade him if another team is actually interested, no doubt having to eat substantial contract.

Colletti was charged with making player moves, but Kasten always had to approve big signings. Particularly one that was such a gamble on Arruebarrena.

At least the prolonged announcement on Anderson is finally over. Word that he would join the rotation came out almost two weeks ago. He received $10 million for next year.

There’s risk but great upside to signing the oft-injured Anderson, 26. He went 1-3 with a 2.91 ERA in eight starts for the Rockies last season. He is expected to fill out the fifth spot in the Dodgers’ rotation.