In a move that surprised no one, Detroit Tigers' veteran relief pitcher Juan Rincon elected to become a free agent over accepting a demotion to Triple-A Toledo.

Detroit loses the right-handed reliever they spent $750,000 to get on January 20.

For the Tigers, he went 1-0 with a 5.23 ERA in 10.1 innings, but was replaced when Dontrelle Willis returned from an anxiety disorder a week ago.

The effectiveness of youngsters Joel Zumaya and Ryan Perry lessened Rincon's standing in Detroit's bullpen.

From 2004 to 2006, Rincon starred for the Minnesota Twins in middle relief, acquiring a 2.66 ERA and 255 strikeouts in 233.1 innings.