Tigers unconditionally release Brandon Inge

After today's loss to the Mariners, the Tigers announced the unconditional release of infielder Brandon Inge.

The team has purchased the contract of Brad Eldred, who will join the team in New York for this weekend's series against the Yankees.

Inge, the longest tenured Tigers player, played in Detroit since 2001.  He has been a lightning rod for attention with Tigers fans, both positive and negative.  His spectacular defensive play at times overshadowed his struggles at the plate.  

This year, he batted only .100 in nine games with one home run and one double. 

"No hard feelings whatsoever," said Inge after today's loss to Seattle.  "This is my family.  This is where I've been my whole career.  You know I'll miss the guys.  I will.  But a chance to go play maybe somewhere else.  It may be a good thing, a new start for me, personally.

"But my heart will always be in Detroit, 100% and forever.  I appreciate everything that's happened here, every opportunity I've been given, the stuff we've accomplished. It's a business when you come down to the end of it.

"I hope the team does well.  I hope they win it all."