Detroit Tigers news: Jonathan Schoop designated for assignment

The Detroit Tigers are moving on from Jonathan Schoop

It finally happened. After a season and a half of being one of the worst players in the league, the Detroit Tigers have designated infielder Jonathan Schoop for assigment, per Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press.

The move appears to be made ahead of Riley Greene being activated off the IL today. The Tigers needed to clear a spot on the roster for Greene, and it looked like it was between Schoop and Jake Marisnick, and the Tigers opted to cut ties with the 31-year-old Schoop.

Frankly, it's a wonder why this didn't happen sooner. Schoop had a 57 wRC+ last season, making him the worst qualified hitter in baseball. However, his defense was elite, leading the league in outs above average (27). He ended with a WAR of about 1.5 despite seemingly forgetting how to hit.

This season, the defense at second base was still solid, but the Tigers started playing him at third base more often, and the results were not great. Combine that with the power at the plate completely disappearing, and there was really no reason to keep him.

Marisnick hasn't lit the world on fire by any means, but he's been perfectly serviceable as a bottom of the roster kind of guy. He's got an 81 wRC+ and plays great defense in the outfield. If he plays sparingly, you can deal with the lack of offense.

It's unfortunate what happened to Schoop. Just two years ago, you could argue he was the best hitter on the team. But the last two years his hitting ability has just vanished. You have to wonder whether he'll even get another opportunity in the big leagues. For his sake, we hope we does.

He was always a good clubhouse guy. He and Miguel Cabrera always got along very well. He got in shape this offseason, but that didn't seem to help very much.

The Jonathan Schoop era has officially come to an end in Detroit. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.