The Detroit Tigers unconditionally released designated hitter Dmitri Young after yesterday's loss to the Seattle Mariners.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said the move was "strictly performance related."

Young was activated from the disabled list July 21 after he left the Tigers May 22 to undergo treatment for substance abuse at a California rehab center.

"I'm not going to talk," said Young, whose bags were packed for the upcoming series at Minnesota.

Young spent 30 days in the rehabilitation facility and three weeks working out with minor-league teams.

The Tigers also activated Mike Maroth, more than three months after his last start.

Twins

Minnesota rookie left-hander Francisco Liriano threw 50 pitches during a simulated game and could rejoin the Twins' rotation next week. Liriano, on the disabled list since Aug. 8 with a strained ligament in his pitching arm, is tentatively set to make a minor-league start Saturday.

Cardinals

St. Louis left-hander Mark Mulder will have arthroscopic surgery next week to repair his rotator cuff after getting a second opinion that concurred with the team's diagnosis. Mulder, 29, went back on the 15-day disabled list last week for the second time this season.

Reds

Cincinnati closer Eddie Guardado will have ligament-replacement surgery on his left elbow, an operation that usually sidelines pitchers for at least a year. Guardado had been on the disabled list since Aug. 20 with a sore left forearm.

Yankees

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, out since Aug. 31 with a muscle strain near his right elbow, will get one more day of rest before testing his arm again. Rivera is to throw Friday in Baltimore, manager Joe Torre said.

Diamondbacks

Rich Dozer resigned as president of Arizona, a position he held since the expansion franchise was awarded 11 years ago.

First Published: September 7, 2006, 4:00 a.m.