Former Tigers lefty signs with Guardians
Longtime Detroit Tigers lefty Daniel Norris has landed with a new team. Just four days after being released by the Cincinnati Reds, Norris signed a minor-league deal with the Cleveland Guardians. He’s expected to start the season in Triple-A Columbus. Norris, who turns 30 in April, pitched in parts of eight seasons for the Tigers. Norris agreed to a minor-league contract with the Reds last month but didn’t last long.
mlive.com2 former Tigers released by Reds
Longtime Detroit Tigers left-hander Daniel Norris was released on Monday after a bumpy spring with the Cincinnati Reds. Norris, who turns 30 in April, has pitched in parts of eight seasons for the Tigers. The Reds also released catcher Austin Romine on Saturday. Romine, 34, was the Tigers’ primary catcher in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, his first opportunity as a No. But after a hot start, Romine hit just .238 with a .582 OPS in 135 plate appearances.
mlive.comFormer Tigers outfielder signs with Rangers
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Former Detroit Tigers outfielder Robbie Grossman has signed with the Texas Rangers, The New York Post reported Friday. The Major League deal is worth $2 million but Grossman could earn several million more in incentives. Grossman, 33, signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Tigers before the 2021 season and was one of the most impactful players on manager A.J. Even amid his struggles, Grossman was exceptional against left-handed pitching and could have a platoon role with the Rangers. Grossman is one of four players who played for the Tigers last year to sign with a new team in the last week.
mlive.comLongtime Tigers lefty signs minor-league deal with Reds
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Longtime Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris has found a new home. Norris has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds that includes an invitation to spring training. He rejoined the Tigers after a couple weeks at Triple-A Toledo, finishing the 2022 season with a 3.45 ERA in 28 2/3 innings, walking eight and striking out 23. Norris and catcher Tucker Barnhart were the only two players ending the season on the Tigers’ big-league roster who became traditional free agents, although several others were non-tendered or released. Among other free agents who spent at least part of the 2022 season on the Tigers’ roster, right-hander Michael Pineda and outfielder Robbie Grossman remain unsigned.
mlive.comHow does loss of Gregory Soto affect Tigers’ bullpen?
The Detroit Tigers have traded away two of their top relievers this winter, including their two-time All-Star closer. The Tigers sent closer Gregory Soto to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, leaving the bullpen without a closer or a high-leverage left-handed reliever. The Tigers are likely to add another lefty. Hinch, before making Soto the regular closer, had always preferred a less rigid approach to bullpen management. Matt Moore, who pitched for the Tigers in 2019, would probably fall somewhere in between Norris and Chafin in terms of dollars.
mlive.comTigers reliever opts for free agency
Left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin has opted to hit the free-agent market instead of exercising a $6.5 million option with the Detroit Tigers in 2023. Chafin officially elected free agency on Sunday, according to the league transactions wire. Chafin is likely seeking a similar or better deal to the one he signed with the Tigers eight months ago. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (37)Left-handed pitchers (4): Tyler Alexander, Eduardo Rodriguez, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz. They will have to be reinstated to the 40-man roster five days after the conclusion of the World Series.
mlive.comMLB offseason is here: Tigers must make cuts in next 4 days
The offseason officially begins on Sunday, the first chance for new Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris to make a meaningful mark on the Tigers’ roster. Cuts are inevitable as the Tigers will have to squeeze 47 or more players onto a 40-man roster. Free agents: Two players -- catcher Tucker Barnhart and left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris -- became free agents on Sunday, although they won’t be able to sign or talk with another team for five days. Impending minor-league free agents: Eligible minor-leaguers will become free agents on Thursday. A year ago, the Tigers placed right-hander Elvin Rodriguez on the 40-man roster to keep him from reaching minor-league free agency.
mlive.comTigers’ Daniel Norris getting another crack at free agency
Round 2 of free agency is approaching for left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris. Norris, 29, has now pitched in parts of eight seasons for the Tigers, who dealt him to the Brewers at the deadline in 2021. Norris and catcher Tucker Barnhart are the only two players on the Tigers’ big-league roster reaching free agency of their own accord, although several others could be cut loose in the next six weeks. Outfielder Robbie Grossman (traded) and right-handed pitcher Michael Pineda (released) would also be in line for traditional free agency if they were still around. For the Tigers, Norris started, worked as a long reliever and even performed some situational lefty duties.
mlive.comHow to Watch the Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers - MLB (10/2/22) | Channel, Stream, Preview
On Sunday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers wrap up their season series with the Minnesota Twins, finishing up their three-game weekend series in their final home game of the 2022 season. Watch the Detroit Tigers on DirecTV StreamThe Tigers will try and treat their fans to a series win on Sunday, thanks to another solid pitching performance from the bullpen on Saturday. Thanks to the win, Detroit was able to stay a half-game up on the Kansas City Royals for fourth place in the American League Central. PROBABLE STARTERSDET: Joey Wentz (2-2, 3.54 ERA)MIN: Simeon Woods Richardson (AAA: 2-0, 2.21 ERA)Check out more stories about the Detroit Tigers here on MLiveWhat: MLB BaseballWho: Minnesota Twins (77-81) vs. Detroit Tigers (64-93)When: Sunday, October 2Time: 12:10 p.m. ETWhere: Comerica Park (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamBuy Tigers gear : Fanatics, Amazon, LidsBuy Tigers tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Tigers games live: DirecTV StreamCheck out the MLB standings and results on MLB.com
mlive.comHow to Watch the Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers - MLB (9/29/22) | Channel, Stream, Preview
For the final time in 2022, the Detroit Tigers will take on the Kansas City Royals, as they wrap up their final three-game series at Comerica Park Thursday afternoon, looking to tie their season-best winning streak. Watch the Detroit Tigers on DirecTV StreamThe Tigers are playing the kind of baseball fans hope to grow more accustom to in the future. After KC scored in the top of the first, Daniel Norris and company held the Royals off the board the rest of the way. PROBABLE STARTERSDET: Eduardo Rodriguez (4-5, 4.37 ERA)KC: Jonathan Heasley (4-8, 4.87 ERA)Check out more stories about the Detroit Tigers here on MLiveWhat: MLB BaseballWho: Kansas City Royals (63-92) vs. Detroit Tigers (62-92)When: Thursday, September 29Time: 1:10 p.m. ETWhere: Comerica Park (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports Detroit, MLB NetworkStream: DirecTV Stream, FuboTVBuy Tigers gear : Fanatics, Amazon, LidsBuy Tigers tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Tigers games live: DirecTV StreamCheck out the MLB standings and results on MLB.com
mlive.comMariners knock out Matt Manning early, beat Tigers 9-3
DETROIT -- Starting pitcher Matt Manning gave up seven runs and didn’t make it out of the third inning as the Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 9-3 in the series opener on Tuesday night at Comerica Park. The Tigers (50-79) and Mariners (71-58) have two more this week in Detroit. The Tigers scored two runs in the eighth against M’s reliever Chris Flexen when Willi Castro singled and scored on Riley Greene’s triple. Tigers right fielder Victor Reyes went 0-for-4, ending a 12-game hitting streak. Box scoreUp nextThe Tigers and Mariners meet again on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. Tigers lefty Tyler Alexander (3-8, 4.83 ERA) will face M’s lefty Marco Gonzales (9-12, 3.97).
mlive.comCarlos Rodon strikes out 10 as Giants top Tigers
DETROIT -- Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon struck out 10 in seven dominant innings as the San Francisco Giants beat the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday night at Comerica Park. The Tigers (47-77) and Giants (61-61) wrap up their quick two-game series on Wednesday afternoon. The Tigers are well familiar with Rodon from his long tenure with the Chicago White Sox, and he was in elite form on Tuesday. Tigers starter Drew Hutchison allowed a run in the first inning, but after that held the Giants scoreless through the fifth. Box scoreUp nextThe Tigers and Giants wrap up their brief two-game series on Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. Tigers right-hander Matt Manning (0-1, 2.81 ERA) will face Giants right-hander Logan Webb (11-6, 3.08).
mlive.comHow to Watch the Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox - MLB (8/13/22) | Channel, Stream, Preview
On Saturday night, the Detroit Tigers continue their three-game weekend series in the Windy City, as they once again take the field against their American League Central rivals in the Chicago White Sox. Watch the Detroit Tigers on DirecTV StreamThough the Tigers’ pitching was solid once again in their series opener on Friday night, struggles in the batter’s box proved to be their downfall, which has been a trend as of late. The win helps the White Sox stay in the Wild Card hunt, as they are 2.5 games back of the red-hot Baltimore Orioles. PROBABLE STARTERSDET: Matt Manning (0-0, 2.25 ERA)CHW: Lucas Giolito (8-6, 4.91 ERA)Check out more stories about the Detroit Tigers here on MLiveWhat: MLB BaseballWho: Detroit Tigers (43-71) vs. Chicago White Sox (57-56)When: Saturday, August 13Time: 7:10 p.m. ETWhere: Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago, Ill.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamBetting preview: Tigers vs. White Sox prediction, schedule and oddsBuy Tigers gear : Fanatics, Amazon, LidsBuy Tigers tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Tigers games live: DirecTV StreamCheck out the MLB standings and results on MLB.com
mlive.comDaniel Norris pitches well in return, but Tigers strikeout 14 times in loss to Sox
Daniel Norris pitched well in his return to the mound, but Detroit Tigers batters struck out 14 times and were no-hit through six innings in a 2-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Friday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox (57-56) climbed back above .500, while the Tigers (43-71) have now lost five in a row and 11 of their last 13. The White Sox scored two runs in the seventh inning off reliever Alex Lange. Since beating the White Sox on July 8 in Chicago, the Tigers have gone 7-24. Box scoreUp nextThe Tigers and White Sox meet again on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. Eastern.
mlive.comTigers lefty Tarik Skubal unlikely to pitch again in 2022
The 25-year-old Detroit Tigers left-hander was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Friday, indicating that the club doesn’t plan for him to pitch again in 2022. Skubal’s 40-man roster spot will go to left-hander Daniel Norris, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Toledo. To create a spot on the active roster, the Tigers optioned right-hander Luis Castillo to Toledo. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)Players in bold are on the active rosterLeft-handed pitchers (5): Tyler Alexander, Andrew Chafin, Daniel Norris, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz. Restricted list (1): Left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez does not earn a salary or count against the 40-man roster while on the restricted list.
mlive.comTigers bringing back Daniel Norris to start Friday
DETROIT -- Longtime Tiger Daniel Norris will once again be wearing the Old English D.The Detroit Tigers will select Norris’ contract from Triple-A Toledo before Friday’s game at Chicago against the White Sox, manager A.J. The Tigers acquired Norris from the Toronto Blue Jays in the David Price trade in 2015. “He lost the strike zone early, trying to do a lot of different things and avoid hard contract or avoid home runs. When he got released and came over here, he was committed to bring over the strike zone. The Tigers will have to make a move on the active roster and 40-man roster before Friday’s game to create space for Norris.
mlive.comTigers bring back 2 former relievers, including lefty Daniel Norris
Right-handed reliever Jacob Barnes, who pitched for the Tigers earlier this year, and lefty Daniel Norris, who was a Tiger from 2015-2021, are expected to report to Triple-A Toledo. The Tigers confirmed both moves on Tuesday, as well as the previously reported signing of veteran starter Chi Chi Gonzalez. The moves were made to stock up on arms in advance of the Aug. 2 trade deadline. The Tigers have several relievers on the trading block, including veterans Michael Fulmer and Andrew Chafin. MLB trade deadline: 5 Tigers most likely to be dealt in next weekNorris, 29, was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers at last year’s trade deadline for prospect Reese Olson.
mlive.comFormer Detroit Tigers pitcher designated for assignment by Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs announced Sunday they designated former Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris for assignment, one year after the Tigers traded the left-hander to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs, who dropped Norris to make room for pitcher Erich Uelman, have one week to trade, release or pass Norris through waivers. When the Tigers used Norris as a reliever in 2020, he had a mini-breakout season with a 3.25 ERA. At the trade deadline, the Tigers dealt Norris to the Milwaukee Brewers for minor-league pitcher Reese Olson, but his ERA in Milwaukee was 6.64. Hesigned one-year deal with the Cubs before the 2022 season.
mlive.com65 former Tigers competing for spots on 27 teams this spring: Do you remember them all?
Do you remember when they played in the Detroit Tigers organization? There are 65 former Tigers competing for jobs in spring training camps around Florida and Arizona. If you can remember all of them, you’re well on your way to super-fan status. That tally is up a bit from last year, when we found 63 players on 26 teams. Some of the names on the list like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander were bonafide stars during their time in Detroit.
mlive.comEx-Detroit Tigers reliever agrees to major-league deal with Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly signing former Detroit Tigers reliever Daniel Norris to a major-league contract, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The left-handed pitcher spent the 2021 season with the Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers before becoming a free agent. The 28-year-old has a 20-34 overall record as a major-league pitcher with a career ERA of 4.65 and WHIP of 1.403. Norris has never made 30 starts during his major-league career but has shown flashes of potential that made him a Top 20 prospect as a starting pitcher. Longtime Tigers starter Matthew Boyd reaches deal with GiantsEx-Tigers broadcaster Rod Allen back in booth for Miami Marlins games
mlive.comHave we seen the last true pitcher at-bat in MLB?
The widespread belief is that Major League Baseball will introduce a universal DH for the first time in 2022. (If not for this faceoff, we probably would have had the universal DH already in 2021 as we did in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season). If the DH does come to fruition, we’ll only get to see pitchers hit in a few rare scenarios:1. Pitchers hit just .110 with a .293 OPS in 4,829 plate appearances in 2021. The universal DH era is about to arrive, and that means the days of pitchers flailing at fastballs are done.
mlive.comDaniel Norris is back at Comerica Park this week. Will he be back on the Tigers next year?
DETROIT -- Daniel Norris still has his old place in Birmingham, although the brief visit this week won’t give him much time to enjoy it. The longtime Detroit Tigers pitcher is now a member of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, who are visiting Comerica Park for a two-game series that wraps up Wednesday afternoon. After parts of seven seasons in Detroit, the Tigers traded him to Milwaukee at the deadline on July 30 for a minor-league pitching prospect. The Tigers know him well and know that he’s much a better pitcher than that ERA indicates. Using Baseball Prospectus’ Deserved Runs metric -- which seeks to isolate a pitcher’s expected contribution -- Norris was the third-best pitcher on the Tigers’ staff, behind only Michael Fulmer and Spencer Turnbull.
mlive.comBrewers knock Giants from top spot in NL, win fourth in row
Jace Peterson hit a go-ahead single in the seventh, Lorenzo Cain homered for a second straight game and the Milwaukee Brewers knocked the San Francisco Giants out of the top spot in the National League for the first time in more than three months.
At next year’s trade deadline, will Tigers be buyers instead of sellers?
DETROIT -- Will we look back at Daniel Norris as the last sell-off of the Detroit Tigers’ rebuilding era? Regardless, the Tigers hope that this time next summer they’ll be focused on acquiring players rather than selling them. Nothing precludes the Tigers from signing Norris again this winter (if they so choose). Schoop did well for the Tigers in the shortened 2020 season, when he made a prorated portion of $6.1 million. “When you’re not a team that’s acquiring, it’s not quite as fun,” Hinch said of the annual trade deadline.
mlive.comTwo former Tigers pitchers reunited in Milwaukee
DETROIT -- Former Detroit Tigers left-hander reliever Daniel Norris retired the only two batters he faced in his Milwaukee Brewers debut on Saturday. The Brewers selected the contract of Blaine Hardy, another longtime Tigers left-hander, before Sunday’s game. Norris, 28, pitched in parts of seven seasons for the Tigers before being traded to the Brewers a few hours before Friday’s MLB trade deadline. He was one of the longest-tenured Tigers after slugger Miguel Cabrera when he was let go after the 2019 season. He pitched in parts of six seasons with the Tigers, posting a 3.73 ERA over 289 innings of work.
mlive.comDaniel Norris offers emotional goodbye to Detroit as he prepares to join new team
DETROIT -- Instead of preparing for a game on Friday night, Daniel Norris was saying his goodbyes, packing up his locker and preparing to start a new adventure with a new team. He’ll fly to Atlanta to meet his new team Saturday morning and immediately be thrown into the thick of a pennant race. Norris shed tears in his meeting with general manager Al Avila and was emotional in his talk with reporters. Norris said he hopes his work ethic left an imprint during his time in Detroit. “I’m anxious to get going and putting on that uniform and seeing if we can win a World Series,” Norris said.
mlive.comTigers bring back veteran lefty to take Daniel Norris’ spot on roster
DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers filled the roster spot vacated by Daniel Norris with another left-handed pitcher. The Tigers selected Krol’s contract from Toledo, once again placing him on the 40-man roster. The Tigers traded Norris to the Milwaukee Brewers for a minor-league pitcher, their only move before the MLB trade deadline. The Tigers still have two vacancies on the 40-man roster, giving them flexibility as they enter the final stretch of the season. TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (38)Players in bold are on the 26-man active roster.
mlive.comTigers trade Daniel Norris to Brewers hours before deadline
DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have traded left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris to the Milwaukee Brewers just hours before the trade deadline, a source confirmed to MLive. The Tigers will receive 21-year-old right-handed pitcher Reese Olson in return. Norris, 28, has pitched in parts of seven seasons for the Tigers since being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the David Price trade in 2015. Norris has worked exclusively out of the bullpen in 2021, posting a 5.89 ERA in 36 2/3 innings with 15 walks and 40 strikeouts. The MLB trade deadline is Friday at 4 p.m.
mlive.comOne of Tigers’ most thrilling wins of the season had plenty of heroes, including a hometown one
If you were asleep for the Detroit Tigers’ dramatic victory over the Minnesota Twins, which wrapped up after midnight on Wednesday morning, it’s worth watching. In the final game before the All-Star break, Jake Rogers hit a go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning. Even after the thrill of Eric Haase’s grand slam on Tuesday night, there was a fear that the game was following the same script. @ehaase3 picked the PERFECT time for his first career grand slam! pic.twitter.com/09cY0Uve3P — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 28, 2021* Tyler Alexander: OK, you might not expect to see the guy who gave up four runs in the first four batters on this list.
mlive.comTigers mailbag: Should Jonathan Schoop be offered contract extension?
DETROIT -- After a fun weekend at Comerica Park, the Detroit Tigers have started the second half with a 3-0 record. In 2019, the Tigers started the second half 2-14 and didn’t win their third game until it was nearly August. First, some background:Schoop signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Tigers prior to the 2020 season. Schoop returned to the Tigers just before spring training on a one-year, $4.5 million deal after he failed to find a more lucrative deal elsewhere. -- AKNo, make no mistake: The Tigers drafted Jackson Jobe because they liked him more than Marcelo Mayer (or anyone else).
mlive.comTigers’ 3 pitching prospects are taking center stage. Will they fare better than the last trio?
Daniel Norris, 23, posted a 2.73 ERA while striking out 38 batters in 29 innings over five brilliant starts in September. “I think the future of this team is centered around the pitching” said Tigers manager A.J. And I think we’ve shown on this team that when our starting pitching gives us a chance to win, we’ve played a lot better baseball. How will we be talking about this next trio of Tigers’ pitching prospects in 2026? The Tigers hope to soon open a new one, with their young pitching prospects leading the way.
mlive.comMariners rob Tigers of walk-off homer, score 5 runs in 11th inning to win
The Mariners scored five runs in the 11th against Tigers reliever Daniel Norris, taking advantage of three hits, a hit batter and two walks -- one intentional, one not. pic.twitter.com/Pm8dwjJFHw — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 9, 2021Jake Rogers crushed a ball 423 feet to the right-field seats for a solo home run in the fifth. Incredibly, the Tigers came close to another walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th, but Akil Baddoo’s drive to right field was just a few feet foul. Paredes, the designated runner, scored a few pitches later on Mariners reliever J.T. Paredes was stranded at third when Thomas, the Mariners’ right fielder, made an impressive catch against the right-field wall to rob Niko Goodrum of extra bases.
mlive.comJaCoby Jones wasn’t first Tigers player nudged out door, and he won’t be the last.
DETROIT -- There was an air of finality to the Detroit Tigers’ decision on Sunday to designate longtime outfielder JaCoby Jones for assignment. Jones wasn’t the first to be nudged aside in 2021, and he won’t be the last. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) watches a pitch during their MLB game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park in Detroit, on Thursday, April 1, 2021. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comFree agents after this seasonThe Tigers will listen to offers for each and every player listed below. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Boyd throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Detroit.
mlive.comTigers mailbag: Have 2 new catchers helped spark team’s surge?
But it hasn’t escaped notice that a significant change at one position has roughly coincided with the Tigers’ late-May hot streak. Q: Do Haase and Rogers really represent that big of an upgrade over Ramos and Greiner? Ultimately I think Ramos can still be useful as a designated hitter, pinch-hitter and, yes, a backup or third catcher. Q: Who will the Tigers use later in the summer when Mize and Skubal hit their innings limits? The Tigers haven’t given a specific number, but Mize is currently on pace for 180 innings in a 162-game season.
mlive.comWhite Sox hit 4 solo homers, beat Tigers 4-1
The Chicago White Sox hit four solo home runs, three against Detroit Tigers starter Casey Mize, to win the series opener 4-1 Thursday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox (34-22) and Tigers (22-34) have three more games this weekend. Willi Castro hit one out to lead off the fifth inning against White Sox starter Lance Lynn. pic.twitter.com/PVDdY0SGMv — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 4, 2021It’s the second consecutive Tigers’ game in which the ball has been flying out the park. Up next: The Tigers and White Sox meet again on Friday at 8:10 p.m. Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull (4-2, 2.93 ERA) will face White Sox lefty Dallas Keuchel (4-1, 4.53).
mlive.comAkil Baddoo homers, but Indians beat up Tigers bullpen to avoid sweep
DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo homered in his first Major League at-bat and starting pitcher Tarik Skubal had a strong debut, but the Cleveland Indians rallied to beat the Tigers 9-3 on Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park. The Tigers (2-1) lost their first game of the season, while the Indians (1-2) avoided being swept in the season opening series. The Indians scored four runs against Tigers reliever Daniel Norris in the seventh inning, including a two-run blast to left field by Jordan Luplow, to take the lead. Those were the only two hits the Tigers managed against Indians starter Aaron Civale, who pitched seven strong innings to earn the win. Up next: The Tigers (2-1) open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins beginning Monday at 1:10 p.m. at Comerica Park.
mlive.comRanking 22 Detroit Tigers questions we can’t wait to learn the answers to this season
DETROIT – Even though a playoff race isn’t in the cards for the Detroit Tigers this season, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this team ahead of Opening Day. READ: Meet all 26 members of the Tigers’ rosterWe came up with 22 questions we can’t wait to learn the answers to over the coming months. Nobody knew who he was when the Tigers selected him in the Rule 5 draft, mostly because he missed the entire 2020 season and hasn’t played above High-A ball. An underrated part of the shortened 2020 season was Soto’s hot start. Daniel Norris #44 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the game at Target Field on September 22, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Meet all 26 members of the Detroit Tigers’ roster -- surprises, spring stats, predicting roles
Spring training stats: .268/.333/.415 (.748 OPS), 1 HR, 3 2B, 4 BB, 9 SO in 18 games. Spring training stats: .225/.250/.400 (.650 OPS), 2 HR, 1 2B, 1 BB, 11 SO in 16 games. Spring training stats: .179/.281/.250 (.531 OPS), 0 HR, 2 2B, 4 BB, 8 SO in 11 games. Spring training stats: .341/.388/.432 (.820 OPS), 0 HR, 2 2B, 3 BB, 6 SO in 18 games. Spring training stats: .319/.360/.596 (.956 OPS), 3 HR, 2 2B, 1 BB, 8 SO in 19 games.
Predicting all 26 players who will make the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day roster
C Wilson RamosConfidence: LockRole: Starting catcherThere’s a legitimate three-way battle to back up Ramos, but everyone knows who the starter will be. AdSS Willi CastroConfidence: LockRole: Starting shortstopThere are going to be some defensive miscues, especially on the throw. As a result, the Tigers will have an extra roster spot to play with -- that’s why there will be 27 names on this list. He bet on himself and won, allowing just three runs while striking out 15 batters in 11 spring innings. If we’re being honest, a conversation about Baddoo as a starter feels more justified than a conversation about earning a roster spot.
Amazin' at-bat: Mets' Guillorme draws 22-pitch walk vs Hicks
“I don’t even think I’ve had a 13 pitch at-bat in my career.”Hicks was scheduled to pitch one inning. Carlos Martínez worked four innings in the start for St. Louis, allowing two runs and five hits. Pittsburgh starter Steven Brault allowed three runs on five hits and a walk in three innings. YANKEES 5, BLUE JAYS 1New York starter Deivi García gave up one hit and an unearned run in three innings. Dean Kremer allowed a run on three hits, walked two and struck out four in the start for Baltimore.
Tigers’ Spencer Torkelson plays first game in Lakeland -- and it’s at first base
LAKELAND, Fla. -- If you had said last summer that Spencer Torkelson would make his debut at Joker Marchant Stadium at first base, it would a safe prediction that verged on a statement of the obvious. Hinch said Torkelson would likely play first once or twice a week in the minor leagues in 2021. While Torkelson was at first, Isaac Paredes was making his Grapefruit League debut at third base. Haase has played first base in the past and has practiced there this spring. Cabrera was DH on Wednesday; he’ll get a chance to play in the field at some point later in the spring.
mlive.comTigers hope big 3 pitching prospects pay dividends for years to come
Pitchers Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning are among the best prospects in all of baseball and the Tigers hope they can anchor the rotation for years to come. TIGERS IN 2021: This is the first in a series of profiles on the Detroit Tigers’ organizational depth heading into the 2021 season. The last time the Tigers had a trio of pitching prospects -- Matthew Boyd, Daniel Norris and Michael Fulmer -- they all came from outside the organization. This time all three prospects were drafted by the Tigers and have grown up in the system. Skubal, Mize and Manning will compete for the fifth spot.
mlive.comLongtime friends Matthew Boyd, Daniel Norris approach critical 2021 season
Matthew Boyd and Daniel Norris, two left-handed pitchers who came to Detroit as part of a package of prospects in the 2015 David Price trade, are now veterans. After being shown his room, Boyd asked, “Where do you live?”“I’m in the attic,” Norris replied. Norris’ strikeout rate went up, his walk rate went down and his homer rate went way down. I want to be a starter,’” Norris said. In that sense, this season is as critical for Boyd as it is for Norris.
mlive.comTigers reach deals with 9 players for combined $25 million
The Detroit Tigers will not square off in an arbitration fight with any of their players this year. The Tigers reached deals with all nine arbitration-eligible players on Friday. MLBTR predicted that the nine arbitration-eligible Tigers would earn between $19.9 million and $27.9 million. The Tigers came in on the high end at roughly $25 million, although all nine deals were within MLBTR’s estimated range. Players get increasingly expensive as they gain more service time and salary cuts are very rare in the arbitration system.
mlive.comDetroit Tigers tender contracts to 9 players, bringing them back for 2021 season
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers tendered contracts to all nine of their arbitration-eligible players Wednesday, meaning they will all return for the 2021 season. READ: Detroit Tigers hire University of Michigan’s Chris Fetter as new pitching coachBy tendering contracts to these players, the Tigers will now negotiate salaries for the 2021 season. Last season, the Tigers won an arbitration hearing with Fulmer, who filed for $3.4 million but ultimately earned $2.8 million for the season. Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer throws during an intrasquad baseball game, Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Detroit. Jeimer Candelario #46 of the Detroit Tigers bats against the Chicago Cubs at Comerica Park on August 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.
Tigers must decide future of 9 players by Wednesday
The Detroit Tigers have nine arbitration-eligible players and, in a normal year, it’s likely that all nine of them would be back in 2021. Players who are not offered a contract are said to be “non-tendered.” They become free agents and can sign with any team. Here’s a closer look at the Tigers’ arb-eligible players with their predicted 2021 salaries using three different methods from MLB Trade Rumors (explained in greater deal here). (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comGROUP 2Players who will be non-tendered if the Tigers see them merely as easily replaceable, league-minimum-type players. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)APGROUP 3Players who will be non-tendered if the Tigers believe their salary in 2021 will no longer be commensurate with their projected role.
mlive.comTigers' arbitration projections: 9 players due about $20 million in 2021
The Detroit Tigers could owe $20 million or more to their nine arbitration-eligible players in 2021, according to the annual analysis provided by MLB Trade Rumors. If all nine Tigers are tendered contracts for 2021, MLBTR estimates they will earn between $19.9 million on the low end and $27.9 million on the high end. Here’s a closer look at the Tigers' arb-eligible players and their MLBTR estimates using three different methods (explained in greater deal here). The Tigers and other MLB teams are working out in effort to start their 2020 season in late July. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)APDaniel Norris (5 years, 73 days service time)2020 salary (before proration): $2.96 million2021 prediction: $3 million/$3.4 million/$3.1 million
mlive.comWhat was Tigers' top play of 2020? Here’s my vote.
The Detroit Tigers' 58-game season doesn’t seem like it would offer much in the way of “plays of the year." But there were actually plenty to choose from, and the Tigers' social media team picked out their eight favorites for a week-long vote. #DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/rLBG977Y3e — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) October 6, 2020You can make your choices on the Tigers’ Twitter account, with a new matchup every day or so. I’ll vote that as play of the year, decade, century, whatever. This wasn’t so much a play as a “performance," so maybe it doesn’t belong in this category.
mlive.com4 critical questions facing Tigers as they enter offseason
DETROIT -- It’s more difficult than usual to make predictions about the Detroit Tigers’ offseason plans this winter. Here’s a guess at some of the questions they’ll be wrestling with this winter:Who will be the new manager? If they do end up opting for experience above all else, don’t discount bench coach Lloyd McClendon, who finished the 2020 season as interim manager. Looking even further ahead, the collective bargaining agreement between the players and owners expires after the 2021 season. Another factor: Norris will be a free agent after the 2021 season, so next season could be his final year with the Tigers.
mlive.com3 players Detroit Tigers should extend this offseason, even though it would be controversial
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are finally looking to build toward contending this offseason, and there are three players they should consider extending, even though the deals would be controversial. It’s unrealistic to think the Tigers are going to take that salary cap space and spend like crazy this offseason. Cron #26 of the Detroit Tigers bats during game one of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Comerica Park on August 2, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. RP Daniel NorrisDaniel Norris #44 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the game at Target Field on September 22, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After dominating in nine three-inning appearances as an opener to finish 2019, Norris' 2020 was delayed by a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test during summer camp.
10 positives to take away from Detroit Tigers season when looking toward future
DETROIT – As ugly as the final 25 games were for the Detroit Tigers, the shortened 2020 season went about as well as anyone could have hoped. Candelario finished the season in a 1-23 slump with six walks and 10 strikeouts, then landed on the 10-day injured list. But overall, his .297/.369/.503 season is much closer to what the Tigers hoped he would become. Willi Castro #49 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with Daz Cameron #41 after a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on September 19, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. Gregory Soto #65 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Comerica Park on July 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.
Tigers lose another 1-run game, fall to Royals, 3-2: Game recap, box score
He was outmatched by Royals starter Brad Keller, who scattered four hits through six scoreless innings, striking out five without a walk. Top 7th: In their first chance to face someone other than Brad Keller, the Tigers clawed back some runs in the seventh. Top 4th: Another 1-2-3 inning for Brad Keller, who struck out Miguel Cabrera for the second time tonight. Top 2nd: Three consecutive Tigers grounded out to second base in an easy 1-2-3 frame for Brad Keller. Top 1st: Royals starter Brad Keller retired the Tigers in order, getting Willi Castro and Miguel Cabrera to go down swinging.
mlive.comTigers manager Ron Gardenhire retires: How the sudden decision unfolded
Ron Gardenhire wrapped up a shorter-than-usual media session and pumped his fists in mock celebration at the end of the Zoom session. “It was tough for him, tough for us, tough for Al," said Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris. After a decade as a coach under longtime Minnesota Twins coach Tom Kelly, Gardenhire was promoted to manager in 2002. When the Tigers beat the Indians Saturday night, McClendon officially picked up his 500th win as a manager -- and first with the Tigers. It’s something that I’ll very much miss.”But players and coaches also said Gardenhire made the right choice to step away.
mlive.com1 trade, 3 position swaps, lineup overhaul -- 5 steps Detroit Tigers could take to stay in playoff race
Right now, its a three-team race between the Tigers, Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles, who are 1.5 games out of the No. The Blue Jays have the most talented lineup with the likes of Cavan Biggio, Vlad Guerrero Jr., Teoscar Hernandez and a red-hot Randal Grichuk. The Blue Jays have the best roster and the easiest schedule, and theyve already improved their team through a trade. The Blue Jays got Daniel Vogelbach, the Padres got Yonder Alonso and the Giants got Daniel Robertson, all for cash considerations. Norris, on the other hand, is coming off his best season as a pro and is showing increased velocity.
Imagining 8 trades Detroit Tigers could make with 8 different teams ahead of next weeks deadline
Considering the 2020 season is only 60 games long, rental players wont be worth as much ahead of Mondays deadline. Tigers prospect breakdowns:Its a unique season and we dont really know what the deadline will bring. Heres a look at eight possible trades with eight different teams who could be interested in some of the Tigers assets. Sports world to Detroit fans: No, you have not yet suffered enoughThe catcher spot has been a disaster in 2020. Austin Romine has been solid for the Tigers this season and would cost next to nothing as a 25-game rental.
Detroit Tigers place 1B C.J. Cron on 10-day injured list with left knee sprain
DETROIT The Detroit Tigers have placed slugging first baseman C.J. Cron on the 10-day injured list with a left knee sprain. Cron left Mondays game against the Chicago White Sox after taking a line drive off his knee in the top of the fourth inning. Cron #26 of the Detroit Tigers bats during game one of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Comerica Park on August 2, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Willi Castro #49 of the Detroit Tigers runs the bases during an exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 22, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cabreras bat, Turnbulls arm help Tigers sweep Pirates 2-1
PITTSBURGH Spencer Turnbull pitched seven strong innings and Miguel Cabrera singled home the tiebreaking run in the eighth as the Detroit Tigers edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Sunday to sweep the three-game series. After the Tigers posted 17-13 and 11-5 wins at PNC Park, the finale turned into a pitching duel. He also could be seen talking to himself between pitches at time, reminiscent of former Tigers pitcher Mark The Bird Fidrych. Pirates: Evans will miss the remainder of the season after being injured in a collision with RF Gregory Polanco on Saturday. UP NEXTTigers: Open a three-game series against the White Sox on Monday night in Detroit with RHP Michael Fulmer (0-0, 13.50) pitching against LHP Dallas Keuchel (1-0, 2.55).
Tigers, Reds rained out, to play 7-inning twinbill Sunday
DETROIT The Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds were set to play Major League Baseball's first doubleheader scheduled for seven-inning games on Sunday in order to make up a rainout. The game never got started and was called after a 55-minute wait, angering Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer. Minor leagues have previously had the option of shortening one or both games of a doubleheader to seven scheduled innings. Detroit plans to start right-hander Rony Garcia, in the first game and left-hander Daniel Norris in the second. "You let starters get hot for the game and then delay it 8 minutes before game time," he tweeted.
Heres what it would realistically take for Detroit Tigers to compete for playoff spot this season
The Detroit Tigers are the ultimate case study. To have any chance to compete, the Tigers would need to do something like this:15-8 against the Royals, Pirates and White Sox. White Sox have to bustThe Tigers need the White Sox -- this years darling sleeper in the American League -- to be a disappointment. (Getty Images)The White Sox are so intriguing because they have a wider range of possible outcomes than any team in baseball. Cron #26 (L) of the Detroit Tigers is greeted at home plate by teammate Jonathan Schoop #8 after he hit a home run during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 11, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.
Cspedes expects to be DH for Mets on opening day
New York Mets Michael Conforto, left, watches as Yoenis Cespedes takes batting practice in the cage before an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)Yoenis Cspedes expects to be the designated hitter for the New York Mets on Friday when they open the season against the Atlanta Braves. Cspedes said hes feeling good and is confident that hell also play left field at some point this season. I think whether its a good day or a bad day, my mentality has always been strong. Tanaka is to throw batting practice again on Sunday, likely 35-40 pitches.
Daniel Norris cleared to rejoin Detroit Tigers after positive COVID-19 test
DETROIT Pitcher Daniel Norris has been cleared to rejoin the Detroit Tigers after he missed most of summer workouts due to a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test. READ: How will Tigers fill final rotation spots after Jordan Zimmermann injury? The 27-year-old left-hander revealed his positive COVID-19 test July 10 after he was absent from the teams workouts at Comerica Park. Norris was cleared to rejoin the 60-man player pool Tuesday, but the Tigers announced he would participate in a workout at Comerica Park. Daniel Norris #44 of the Detroit Tigers works up a baseball during the third inning of a game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on August 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan.
How will Detroit Tigers fill final rotation spots after Jordan Zimmermann injury?
DETROIT When spring training resumed at the start of July, the Detroit Tigers had their starting rotation set in stone. Nobody wanted to see Zimmermann suffer another injury, but his time in Detroit has been a disaster any way you slice it. Split Fulmer and AlexanderProposed rotation: Boyd, Turnbull, Fulmer, Alexander, NovaThe option that seems most likely is the Tigers simply split up Fulmer and Alexander. Beau Burrows #37 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 6, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Casey Mize #74 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 6, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Tigers send 19 players to Toledo -- 37 left competing for 30 roster spots
DETROIT The Detroit Tigers sent 19 players to their alternate training site in Toledo on Monday, leaving 37 players to battle for 30 Opening Day roster spots. READ: How will the Tigers fill their final rotation spots after the Jordan Zimmermann injury? Haase and Rogers were fighting for what figured to be two or three catcher spots on the roster. That means seven of these 13 players will also be sent to Toledo or the taxi squad, while six make the roster. Lets assume its 11, leaving four bullpen spots and two reserve spots open.
Predicting the full Detroit Tigers 30-man roster one week before the season begins
DETROIT It almost doesnt seem real, but one week from Friday is the start of what could be the strangest Detroit Tigers season ever. Roster makeupPredicting the roster for a team like the Tigers -- with so many unproven players fighting for jobs -- is tricky even in a normal year. READ: Here are the players included on the Detroit Tigers spring training rosterMLB expanded rosters by one spot before the pandemic, allowing teams to carry 26 players. He gave up way too many runs, but hes looked better in both spring training segments. Reyes was much better than Stewart during spring training in March, when the latter struggled to make any solid contact.
Here are the 58 players included on the Detroit Tigers spring training roster
DETROIT The Detroit Tigers have released their initial Club Player Pool, including 58 players who can participate in spring training. Schwindel was one of the nice success stories of spring training in March. Willi Castro could benefit from the extra roster spots, but Lugo feels like someone who could still end up on the outside looking in. ProspectsThese are the players Tigers fans are most anxious to see, and for good reason. Dingler made the cut just weeks after being the teams second-round draft pick, but hell likely just get some work in Toledo.
Detroit Tigers beat Justin Verlander, Houston Astros in biggest MLB upset in 15 years
Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park on August 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)HOUSTON - The last-place Detroit Tigers only got two hits off of Justin Verlander on Wednesday night, but it was good enough to beat the World Series-contending Houston Astros in what was statistically the biggest MLB game upset in the last 15 years. That made Detroit the largest betting underdog in an MLB game in at least 15 years. JOHN HICKS FOR THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/Y8x1FhQAyP Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 22, 2019Verlander was as advertised, pitching a complete game and allowing only two base runners -- solo home runs by Ronny Rodriguez and John Hicks. pic.twitter.com/TUDpYghwcA Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 22, 2019Detroit is still three wins behind the Baltimore Orioles for the fewest in MLB, though the teams are now tied at 86 losses.
Detroit Tigers beat Justin Verlander, Houston Astros in biggest MLB upset in 15 years
HOUSTON The last-place Detroit Tigers only got two hits off of Justin Verlander on Wednesday night, but it was good enough to beat the World Series-contending Houston Astros in what was statistically the biggest MLB game upset in the last 15 years. Tigers call out fan who promised to get tattoo if they beat AstrosThat made Detroit the largest betting underdog in an MLB game in at least 15 years. Going into the matchup, the Tigers were 44 wins behind the Astros -- 37-86 compared to 81-46. JOHN HICKS FOR THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/Y8x1FhQAyP Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 22, 2019Verlander was as advertised, pitching a complete game and allowing only two base runners -- solo home runs by Ronny Rodriguez and John Hicks. pic.twitter.com/TUDpYghwcA Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 22, 2019Detroit is still three wins behind the Baltimore Orioles for the fewest in MLB, though the teams are now tied at 86 losses.
Dozier, Soler each homer twice as Royals beat Tigers 10-2
(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)DETROIT - Hunter Dozier and Jorge Soler each homered twice, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 10-2 on Sunday for a split of the four-game series between the worst teams in the AL Central. The Royals won their second in a row after losing six of seven. Norris retired the next batter, but Dozier hit his third homer of the series into the Royals' bullpen in left-center. They swept the Royals in three games in April and won two of three from Kansas City in May. They are 9-7 against Kansas City this season and 26-73 against the rest of the major leagues.
Here's what the Detroit Tigers' lineup, rotation could look like if Castellanos, Boyd are traded
The team already owns the worst record in baseball at 30-67, but what would the lineup and starting rotation look like without the best hitter and best starting pitcher on the roster? MORE: Dream deadline scenario for Detroit Tigers involving Castellanos, Boyd, Greene tradesRon Gardenhire tinkers with his lineup nearly every day. Starting rotationBoyd has become the unquestioned ace of the starting rotation over the last two years, and this season he's leading baseball in strikeout-to-walk ratio. If this ends up being the Tigers' starting rotation, it could be one of the worst in baseball history. The bottom line is: If Boyd gets traded, Turnbull is the only chance the Tigers have to feel good about every fifth game.
Here's what the Detroit Tigers' lineup, rotation could look like if Castellanos, Boyd are traded
The team already owns the worst record in baseball at 30-67, but what would the lineup and starting rotation look like without the best hitter and best starting pitcher on the roster? MORE: Dream deadline scenario for Detroit Tigers involving Castellanos, Boyd, Greene tradesRon Gardenhire tinkers with his lineup nearly every day. Starting rotationBoyd has become the unquestioned ace of the starting rotation over the last two years, and this season he's leading baseball in strikeout-to-walk ratio. If this ends up being the Tigers' starting rotation, it could be one of the worst in baseball history. The bottom line is: If Boyd gets traded, Turnbull is the only chance the Tigers have to feel good about every fifth game.