Tigers released OF Boesch

The Detroit Tigers released outfielder Brennan Boesch on Wednesday in a move that will save the team $1.9 million.

Boesch signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Tigers in January. He'll receive one-sixth of that amount, or approximately $383,000. as he hits the free-agent market.

The Tigers apparently are turning to Andy Dirks as their left fielder after the 27-year-old Boesch struggledf last season, batting .240 with 12 homers and 54 RBI. In 2011, Boesch hit .283 with 16 homers.

MLB.com reported that the Houston Astros might be interested in signing the left-handed-hitting Boesch.