The Tigers have placed reliever Mark Lowe on unconditional release waivers, reports Jason Beck of MLB.com (Twitter link). The right-hander is due a $5.5MM salary this year, so he’ll likely clear waivers and become a free agent.
Lowe had to compete for a roster spot with Detroit this spring, which wasn’t the outcome the team envisioned when it inked him to a two-year, $11MM guarantee in December 2015. But Lowe then endured a disastrous 2016, when his average fastball velocity dropped from 95.5 mph in 2015 to 92.4 mph. Thanks in part to his less effective heater, Lowe registered a 7.11 ERA in 49 1/3 innings and saw his home run-to-fly ball ratio go from 8.9 percent in 2015 to 17.9 percent last season. Lowe also experienced a significant drop in swinging-strike rate (14.1 percent in 2015 to 10 percent) and nearly doubled his walk rate (1.96 per nine to 3.83).
Lowe was excellent two seasons ago with Seattle and Toronto, where he combined for career bests in ERA (1.96) and K/9 (9.98) across 55 frames, which led to his Detroit payday. The 33-year-old hasn’t been particularly consistent during his career, however, as he has posted subpar production in several campaigns. All told, though, Lowe’s output has been passable – despite having recorded a below-average ground-ball rate (39.8 percent), he has combined for a 4.22 ERA, 8.21 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 in 385 2/3 innings with six teams.
the tigers are paying Lowe way to much for the crap job he is doing he is making are bullpen worse and the tigers bullpen is already a disaster
Our* bullpen
*their bullpen
That sure was necessary
Good riddance
Counting down the days that they will finally fire Al Avila.
AGREE
Every GM gets fired but “finally?” It hasn’t been two full years, yet. I feel any GM hire should be given at least 3-4 years before they get put on the hot seat. It takes 3=5 years for any effect on the minor league system to show. I sincerely think that the Zimmerman and Upton signings were prodded by Mr. I, and were not really his moves. While I agree that I have not liked the cheaper signings that Avlia has done, most cheap signings don’t fare well.. Other than Mahtook, none of Avila’s depth acquisitions have any tools. No speed. No Power. He needs to look for tools. His decision this offseason to not sell for the sake of selling was the right thing.
But they brought back the stellar backstop, Alex Avila! The most underrated son of any GM in MLB!
Sanchez will get 5th starting job, Boyd is going to inherit Drew Smyly’s old role in the bullpen, and Mike Pelfrey is next to go
I like this idea a lot
Boyd definitely deserves the 5th spot, but I get it. They aren’t going to let Anibals salary sit in the pen. Pelfrey should have left with Lowe.
I cannot believe he was the first to go. Pelfrey has stunk up the place so much worse than Lowe. This has me worried that they might be thinking of keeping Pelfrey.
Don’t worry Plefrey will not make it to opening day
It’s going to take many more seasons for Al to reverse the demise of the Tigers minor league system. Be patient, after all Trader Dave’s mark was deep and blemished.
I agree to a point. However, so far all of his moves have been flops. He signed Lowe and Pelfrey, both will be release. 13.5 million wasted, plus Zimmerman and Upton, have been a disappointment as well. Not instilling a lot of confidence thus far.
The mariners should offer a minor league contract with incentives if makes the team.
When he was on he pitched pretty good.
Step 1 finished. Next task, cutting bait with Pelfrey
done!
The curse of the Tigers bullpen continues!