Infielder Jonathan Schoop, an 11-year MLB veteran, has been designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers ahead of the All-Star break, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Schoop is owed about $3.47 million of his $7.5 million salary for the 2023 season. The 31-year-old hit .213 with zero home runs, seven RBIs, 13 walks, 37 strikeouts and a .550 OPS in 55 games.
The Tigers informed Schoop of the decision after Friday’s 12-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
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Schoop is expected to clear waivers because of the money he is owed for the remainder of the season. Once he clears waivers, he would be eligible to sign with a different team for the prorated major-league minimum (roughly $330,000) while the Tigers pay the rest of his salary for the season.
In July, Schoop hit .364 (4-for-11) with two doubles, one walk and zero strikeouts in four games with the Tigers.
Schoop, a right-handed hitter, has played for the Tigers since the 2020 season, agreeing to one-year contracts for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns before signing a two-year, $15 million contract extension in August 2021. The extension took him through the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
His best season with the Tigers occurred in 2021, when he hit .278 with 22 home runs in 156 games as the everyday second baseman. He hasn’t hit a home run — in spring training or in the regular season — since Sept. 23, 2022.
Schoop lost his role as the everyday second baseman at the beginning of the 2023 season, transitioning to a utility role. He primarily found his way into the lineup against left-handed starters — and also serving as a pinch hitter against lefty relievers — while playing more innings at third base than second base.
Defensively, he ranked in the 73rd percentile for outs above average this season.
Cutting Schoop opens a spot on the 40-man roster for right-handed reliever Beau Brieske, who has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo and needs to be activated from the 60-day injured list. Outfielder Matt Vierling took reps in the infield before Friday’s game.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.