CLEVELAND (AP) — The Detroit Tigers have released veteran closer Jose Valverde from his contract with Triple-A Toledo.
The Tigers designated Valverde for assignment on June 21, less than two months after bringing the right-hander back to the major leagues for another chance to be the team’s closer. Valverde went 0-1 with a 5.59 ERA, converting nine saves in 12 chances.
Valverde accepted an assignment to Toledo, where he had seven saves with a 4.09 ERA in 11 games.
Valverde faltered during the 2012 playoffs and became a free agent in the offseason. He didn’t sign with another team and Detroit eventually brought him back on a minor league deal, calling him up to the majors in late April.
The Tigers announced the move before Wednesday’s game against Cleveland.