it's about time they got rid of him.

Preston Wilson shuffled across the floor of the Astros' clubhouse upon his arrival at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, taking good-natured ribbing from teammates about his unusual headwear.

The playful mood turned solemn moments later when Wilson was informed by Astros general manager Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner he was no longer a part of the team's future.

Wilson, the Astros' biggest offseason acquisition, was designated for assignment prior to Saturday's game, meaning the Astros have 10 days to trade or release the outfielder.

"This I did not see coming," said Wilson, who signed a one-year contract worth $4 million in January with a club option for three additional years at $8 million per year. "I haven't seen a lot of stuff that's been happening around here the last couple of weeks, and this one adds to the list."

Wilson, 32, was hitting .269 with nine homers and was second on the team with 55 RBIs but had seen his playing time cut dramatically in recent weeks with the emergence of Luke Scott and resurgence of Willy Taveras. Wilson struck out 94 times in 390 at-bats.