The Detroit Tigers released Brandon Inge today, saying good-bye to the current, longest tenured Tiger. Inge has been with the Tigers since 2001, and according to the Detroit News, Inge says his "heart will always be in Detroit."

The controversial Inge was hitting just .100 for the season and had made some recent mistakes at second base. Inge had asked to play the position when the Tigers moved Miguel Cabrera to third base after signing free agent first baseman Prince Fielder to a long term deal.

Even prior to Cabrera moving to third, Inge's grasp on the position was tenuous at best. Last season, the 34-year-old Inge was sent down to Toledo after not being claimed on waivers. The Tigers are now on the hook for the remaining $5.5 million salary for 2012 and must pay a $500,000 buyout for 2013.

The Tigers called up hot-hitting Brad Eldred from Toledo to take Inge's spot on the roster. In 80 at-bats, Eldred is hitting .388 with 13 home runs and 35 RBI's.

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