Struggling Tigers Let Struggling Jones Go

Jacque Jones was cut yesterday by the Tigers, who had promised a lineup shakeup going into a homestand against the Red Sox and Yankees.

Detroit designated Jones for assignment and has 10 days to trade the outfielder, put him on unconditional release waivers or send him outright to the minors.

Jones hit just .165 with a homer and five RBI in 24 games for the Tigers, who acquired him during a busy offseason from the Cubs.

"Jacque Jones is not the reason we're four games under .500," Manager Jim Leyland said. "Had he gotten off to a bad start? Yes, he had. It was totally unfair. He's been a class act the whole time."

To take Jones's spot, Detroit purchased the contract of OF Matt Joyce from Toledo. He hit .299 with five homers and 21 RBI in 28 games for the Class AAA club.

Tigers DH Gary Sheffield took over for Jones in left field and was inserted into the sixth spot for the game at Comerica Park that Detroit lost, 6-3, to Boston. Sheffield had been hitting third. He said he was excited to be returning to the field.

"I need to be a baseball player, I'm not a baseball player sitting there," Sheffield said.

Sheffield last played the outfield July 21, when he injured his shoulder in a collision with 2B Plácido Polanco while playing right field at Comerica Park.

· RED SOX: Curt Schilling plans to throw today for the first time this season.

The right-hander, on the 60-day disabled list with an ailing shoulder, is scheduled to throw 25 pitches from 60 feet. If that goes well, he will begin a regular throwing program.

"He's got himself to the point where he's excited he's getting to do it," Boston Manager Terry Francona said. "It's another step."