Detroit Tigers release Josh Harrison & Sandy Baez

The Detroit Tigers announced the release of two players on Friday afternoon, including the release of one of Al Avila’s veteran offseason free-agent signings.

On Friday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers announced the unconditional release of two players, 2B Josh Harrison and RHP Sandy Baez. The move was made by the Tigers in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Friday night’s starting pitcher Edwin Jackson.

This news comes as Harrison was in the midst of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo. The 31-year-old has not played for Detroit since May 27th, as he was placed on the 60-day IL with a hamstring injury.

Harrison played eight seasons with Pittsburgh and was a two-time All-Star before signing with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent during the offseason. In 36 games with Detroit, Harrison was batting just .176 with eight RBI and one home run.

The other player released by the Tigers on Friday afternoon was RHP Sandy Baez. Just 25 years old, Baez made just one major league appearance for Detroit this season. That one appearance came on May 17th against Oakland, where he came in for relief in the eighth inning and allowed one run on two hits as the Tigers went on to lose 7-2.

Baez spent time in Lakeland, Erie, and Toledo this season along with his brief appearance in the major leagues. In 22 total minor league games in 2019, Baez had a 7.24 ERA.

Although Harrison appeared to be on the verge of returning to the big leagues from his injury, the Tigers needed to free space and made the decision to part ways with the veteran. Although these roster moves were made to clear space right now for another veteran player in Edwin Jackson, it would be nice to see the space used for the rest of the season to give up-and-coming prospects their chance at showcasing their skills in the majors.