DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have released outfielder Ryan Raburn.
Raburn started the 2012 season as a big part of Detroit's plans, but the 31-year-old hit just .171 in 66 games.
The Tigers also purchased the contracts of right-handers Bruce Rondon and Melvin Mercedes, and shortstop Dixon Machado from Triple-A Toledo. Detroit sent right-hander Tyler Stohr outright to Toledo.
The 21-year-old Rondon was named the organization's minor league pitcher of the year, going 2-1 with a 1.53 ERA in 52 appearances with Class A Lakeland, Double-A Erie and Toledo. Rondon could compete for Detroit's closer spot next year.
