Tigers release former closer Valverde
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
Jose Valverde of the Detroit Tigers reacts after a save against the Chicago White Sox last season.
Jose Valverde of the Detroit Tigers reacts after a save against the Chicago White Sox last season. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Sports Xchange
Right-hander Jose Valverde was given an unconditional release by the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, the team announced.
The 35-year-old reliever converted nine of 12 save opportunities with the Tigers earlier this season but had a 5.59 ERA and was sent to Triple-A Toledo in June.
The Tigers turned to Joaquin Benoit as their closer and added Jose Veras from the Houston Astros at the trade deadline last week.
In 13 games with the Mud Hens, Valverde had seven saves and a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings.
Valverde signed a minor league contract with the Tigers in April.
In 11 major league seasons with the Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks, Valverde has a 26-32 record with 286 saves and a 3.19 ERA.