TORONTO - Slumping slugger Frank Thomas is no longer the starting designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The veteran was told Saturday morning by manager John Gibbons that his playing time will be cut.
The move comes with Thomas batting .167 in 16 games, with three homers and 11 RBIs. But if you take away one big series against Boston in the season's opening week, when he hit two homers and drove in eight runs, he's batting just .125.
He's currently in a 4-for-35 rut.
Thomas was angered by the decision and said it was based on the Blue Jays wanting to prevent his contract option for 2009 from becoming guaranteed.
Should Thomas make 304 more plate appearances this season, he'll earn a guaranteed US$10 million next year.
