Baseball: Detroit Tigers release Gary Sheffield

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.

If Gary Sheffield does not get the opportunity to play again, he will be the first player in major league history to retire just one home run short of the 500 plateau. Twenty years ago, his plaque in the Hall of Fame would be secure despite not reaching that coveted mark.