Bobby Dalbec’s long, roller coaster journey with the Red Sox appears to be nearing its end.

The Red Sox announced Sunday that they have designated their former starting first baseman for assignment. The move was made to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Richard Fitts, who will make his MLB debut Sunday against the Chicago White Sox.

Right-hander Chase Shugart was also optioned to Triple-A Worcester.

Once regarded as among the club’s top prospects, Dalbec broke into the majors in 2020 and established himself as a potential impact performer. In 23 games Dalbec batted .263 with eight home runs and a .959 OPS, but as opposing pitchers got to know him better he was never able to overcome his limited ability to make consistent contact.

“If you look at the swing and miss percentages it’s up there, but he’s still a good player,” manager Alex Cora said. “A good defender, has some pop, he’s a good athlete. We’ll see what happens in the upcoming days and we’ll know more.”

In 2021 Dalbec had an inconsistent season as Boston’s full-time starter. He batted .240 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI in 133 games, but he also struck out 156 times and had his numbers buoyed by a monster stretch in August and September during which he batted .337 with 12 homers in 30 games.

He never found that same form again, and since losing his starting job to Triston Casas in late 2022 he’s spent the majority of his time at Triple-A. This season Dalbec appeared in 37 big league games, batting .133 with a minuscule .410 OPS, and over the past two seasons he’s struck out in almost half of his MLB plate appearances, posting a strikeout rate of 48.6%.

Would he benefit from a change of scenery? Cora wouldn’t go that far, but didn’t rule out the possibility Dalbec could still flourish.

“I hate to say that, right? But it’s happened before,” Cora said. “Let’s see what happens in the upcoming days and we’ll know more.”

Now 29 years old, Dalbec faces an uncertain future but should at least have the opportunity to gain traction elsewhere. Though he can’t be traded, another team could claim Dalbec off waivers, and while he can’t refuse an assignment should he clear waivers, he would become a minor league free agent once the season is over regardless.

But whether it’s today, tomorrow, later this week or over the offseason, Dalbec’s eventual departure at this point is all but assured.