By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - Even in the days leading up to his demotion to Triple-A Toledo, Jose Valverde displayed nothing but confidence when he spoke about his play.

Even in Toledo, he still talked as if sure of himself, as if a return to the parent club was imminent.

Apparently, that will not be happening after all.

The team announced on Twitter Wednesday afternoon Valverde was unconditionally released.

With the Mud Hens, Valverde gave up 14 hits and six walks in 11 innings pitched. He recorded seven saves with the team and finished with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.82.

In 20 appearances with the Tigers in 2013, Valverde had a 5.59 ERA and a 1.241 WHIP. He gave up 12 runs on 18 hits over 19.1 innings.

As Valverde struggled earlier in the season with the Tigers, he became an integral part of the "closer by committee" storyline, with Leyland standing by him. Valverde allowed six home runs in the eight outings before he was released to Toledo.

When he was sent down, Dave Dombrowski left the door wide open for Valverde's return, saying, "Our goal would not be to keep him there for an extended period of time, it would be more a matter of trying to get him fixed."

The #Tigers have unconditionally released Jose Valverde.

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 7, 2013