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Detroit Tigers Reportedly Sign Anthony Vasquez to Minors Deal
Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila reportedly added more depth on Wednesday. According to a tweet from Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi, the Tigers signed Anthony Vasquez to a minor league deal.
Detroit Tigers fans saw the team use eight different starters last season and 22 pitchers in general.
Al Avila has already made moves to address the team’s pitching depth ahead of next season.
Victor Alcantara, who could pitch out of the bullpen at some point in 2017, was acquired in Cameron Maybin trade. Elsewhere, Daniel Stumpf was brought in via the Rule 5 draft.
Avila also added a signed number of pitchers with Major League experience to minor league contracts. Logan Kensing, Jeff Ferrell, Dustin Molleken and William Cuevas were added on minor league deals.
What’s more, the Tigers also reportedly signed Michigan native A.J. Achter to a minors contract.
While none of these additions are likely to have the same impact as Wade Davis or Kenley Jansen, they provide depth all the same. Detroit could need that depth heading into next season.
Now it seems that the Tigers have added yet another pitcher to the organization.
Vasquez
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Fox Sports writer Jon Morosi tweeted on Wednesday morning, “LH starter Anthony Vasquez signs minor-league contract with #Tigers, source says; 3.08 ERA in 28 games (27 starts) at AA/AAA in ’16. @MLB.”
Vasquez is a 30-year-old pitcher who was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 18th round of the 2009 draft.
The left-hander made his Major League debut in 2011, making seven starts. Over those seven starts, the pitcher turned in an 8.90 ERA and 13 strikeouts while walking 10 and allowing 13 home runs in 29.1 innings.
While he hasn’t pitched in the Majors since, Vasquez does own some solid minor league numbers. In 100.2 innings for Philadelphia’s Double-A affiliate last season, he logged a 3.40 ERA while only walking 27.
In 12 starts for Lehigh Valley, the Phillies’ Triple-A squad, Vasquez pitched to a 2.64 ERA. Overall, he struck out 6.2 batters per nine frames in the minors last year.
Potential Role With the Detroit Tigers
As of now, Vasquez would be buried on the depth chart.
Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Jordan Zimmermann, Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd could all start the year in the rotation. Elsewhere, Anibal Sanchez, Mike Pelfrey and Buck Farmer are other starting options.
Additionally, Chad Bell and Myles Jaye could also start games for the Tigers next year.
However, things could change in a hurry where Detroit’s depth is concerned.
In a perfect world, the Tigers will be able to find takers for Sanchez and Pelfrey. If that is the case, Vasquez will have a much better chance of making an impact in the Motor City.
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