how long can I leave a player in limbo without assigning him?

I picked up I guy off waivers and was unable to assign him to AAA because of his 'contract status'. How should I have seen this coming? Is this the case with any player who is out of options?

The guy I claimed I do want on my major league roster, I just can't yet figure out how to do it. I'm tempted to assign him to the ML team the first time I get an injury, if he will wait in limbo that long.

Yes. Any player who is out of options may only be assigned to the BL, unless they clear waivers.

He can sit in limbo for 10 real life days before he will be automatically released by the sim.

Thanks, appreciate the info!