Tigers release Mike Pelfrey

The Tigers released right-handed pitcher Mike Pelfrey, the club announced Thursday morning.

Pelfrey was in the final year of a two-year, $16 million contract with Detroit — his third team in 12 years. The 33-year-old spent his first seven seasons with the Mets, then three with the Twins before joining the Tigers in 2016.

Last season, he went 4-10 with a 5.07 ERA in 22 starts. His spring this year wasn’t much better, as he was 2-3 with a 7.94 ERA in 17 innings over eight appearances, including three starts.

Detroit tried to unload Pelfrey by offering to take on his entire salary in a trade, but apparently found no takers after deciding he would not make the team. The righty will now be free to sign with the club of his choice for the league minimum.

Pelfrey’s fate was sealed on Thursday after he was hit hard against the Phillies in an 8-2 loss in the Tigers’ final spring training game. He allowed three runs and six hits in 2 1/3 innings of work. His career stats as of now are a 65-91 record with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP in 235 starts.

Pelfrey’s release gives the Tigers 28 players right now in camp. They have to trim down to 25 before they head back north to start the season on Monday. The Tigers, who finished second in the AL Central last year, begin their 2017 campaign with a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox.