The Tigers have announced the re-signing of reliever Bobby Parnell to a minor league deal, as Lynn Henning of the Detroit News was first to report on Twitter. Third baseman Casey McGehee — who, like Parnell, was released on Monday — is reportedly also likely to re-join the organization.
By releasing and re-signing Parnell, 31, the Tigers avoided the need to pay him a $100K retention bonus. Though the results on the field this spring weren’t pretty, Parnell was said to be ramping up his velocity as camp progressed.
The former closer made it back from Tommy John surgery last year, only to strike out 13 and walk 17 in his 24 innings. Of course, he has shown plenty more previously. Over the 2010 to 2013 time span, he ran up a 2.79 ERA with 8.5 K/9 against 3.0 BB/9.
good idea to let him build his arm strength all the way back was surprised he was released, but looks like smart financial decision.
Even though detroits pen is crap, he wouldn’t be making it, maybe if someone got hurt he will get called up
Of course it can’t compete with the Royals, bit the pen should be a lot better this year than the past few. As long as everybody stays healthy that is.
Good signing. He’ll be nice depth at Toledo. Sounds like the arm speed is building back and could be a serviceable part of the bullpen in the future.
McGehee would a nice sign too if it happens. Always good to have experience at AAA.
I just don’t see the need for McGehee. He is Don Kelly without the power or the versatility or the nostalgia. I don’t see the fit, no matter how many injuries.
Parnell is a good signing. The pen is lacking depth. Let’s see at least one more depth signing for the pen. Maybe a lefty.