The Detroit Tigers have released nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield, who is one home run away from 500 for his career.
Detroit parted ways Tuesday with the designated hitter, who had a disappointing stay with the Tigers. The team was hopeful Sheffield would be a powerful presence at the plate in the final season of the $28 million, two-year contract extension it gave him after acquiring him from the Yankees for prospects.
But he failed to deliver, in large part because he often was injured.
The move comes a day after the Tigers acquired outfielder Josh Anderson from the Braves, forcing the team to make some tough decisions about its roster a week ahead of opening the season in Toronto.
Sheffield hit .178 in 18 games this spring.
The Tigers also placed starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman (right shoulder surgery) on the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Clete Thomas to Triple-A Toledo.
*Chipper Jones and the Braves agreed to a $42 million, three-year contract extension through 2012, a deal with an option that could become worth up to $61 million over four seasons. … The Phillies released outfielder Geoff Jenkins and named Chan Ho Park their fifth starter ahead of Northwestern product J.A. Happ. … The Nationals released outfielder Wily Mo Pena and reassigned former White Sox pitcher Gary Glover to minor league camp. … Hall of Fame outfielder Dave Winfield has joined ESPN as a “Baseball Tonight” analyst.
