LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers released designated hitter Gary Sheffield this morning, a startling development and one that will force them to pay him $14 million this season even though he will never play a game for them.
The decision is surprising from a historical perspective, because Sheffield’s next home run will be the 500th of his career.
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 Atlanta, forcing the team to make some tough decisions about its roster a week ahead of Opening Day next Monday in Toronto.
Sheffield hit .178 in 18 games this spring.
Sheffield said the Tigers told him that they wanted more versatility on their 25-man roster as the reason for his release. Sheffield said he still, “feels great” physically and would like to play this season.
When asked if this is the end of his career, he replied, “It ain’t close.”
Once he clears waivers, Sheffield will be able to sign with another team. He said he’d give preference to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who play close to his home.
The decision is surprising from a historical perspective, because Sheffield’s next home run will be the 500th of his career.
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 Atlanta, forcing the team to make some tough decisions about its roster a week ahead of Opening Day next Monday in Toronto.
Sheffield hit .178 in 18 games this spring.
Sheffield said the Tigers told him that they wanted more versatility on their 25-man roster as the reason for his release. Sheffield said he still, “feels great” physically and would like to play this season.
When asked if this is the end of his career, he replied, “It ain’t close.”
Once he clears waivers, Sheffield will be able to sign with another team. He said he’d give preference to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who play close to his home.
