Tigers dismiss Mud Hens manager

TOLEDO – The Detroit Tigers made a surprise move Tuesday, dismissing Toledo Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez for what was deemed a "violation of club policy."The organization did not elaborate on what the violation was.Mike Hessman, the Mud Hens hitting coach, has been promoted to manager.The Mud Hens – the longtime Triple A affiliate of the Tigers – came are 17-16 this season, and tied for fouth in the International League's East Division. The Mud Hens home game with Memphis, scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed due to rain.Alvarez was in his second season piloting Toledo. Prior to that, Alvarez managed Detroit's double A team, the Erie SeaWolves for three seasons.Alvarez also played parts of three seasons with the Tigers, primarily at third base. He also played briefly for the San Diego Padres in 2000, his final big league season. Hessman had a five-year career as an MLB player, spending two seasons in Detroit. He is best known for his minor league career, where he holds the all-time record for home runs with 433.