Tigers release second baseman Josh Harrison

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have released second baseman Josh Harrison after reinstating him from the injured list.

The team announced the move Friday. The Tigers also released right-hander Sandy Baez to make room for right-hander Edwin Jackson. Detroit announced Thursday night that it was going to purchase Jackson’s contract from Triple-A Toledo before Friday night’s game against Kansas City.

Harrison signed a one-year deal with the Tigers for 2019, but he hit just .176 in 136 at-bats. He’s had to deal with shoulder and hamstring problems and hasn’t played in a major league game since May 27.

With Detroit on pace to lose 113 games, general manager Al Avila didn’t think the 32-year-old fit into the late-season plans.

“At this stage in the season, it obviously makes sense for us to look at our young guys,” Avila said. “We have been happy with Harold Castro and Niko Goodrum and some of our younger guys. We’re going to continue that course.”

Harrison spent his first eight major league seasons with Pittsburgh. He hit .250 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs last year.