In a rather surprising move, the Tigers have decided to release DH/OF Gary Sheffield and in doing so, will eat $14 million in salary.

Detroit parted ways with the designated hitter Tuesday after 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 Atlanta, 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.

Maybe this isn’t a total shock to some people after he had such a lousy spring, but it’s still a rather surprising move considering he was thought to be fully healthy again. At his age, it’s doubtful that any club gives him more than a one-year contract, but he should drum up some interest in the AL. He might not play for a contender next year, but there’s no doubt he’ll want to play again considering he’s just one dinger shy of 500.