The Tigers have agreed to re-sign lefty Daniel Stumpf to a Major League deal and added him to their 40-man roster, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press tweets. Stumpf, who the Tigers had placed on waivers earlier this week, elected free agency after clearing waivers and before agreeing to his new deal.
The Tigers took Stumpf from the Royals in last winter’s Rule 5 Draft. He became eligible for free agency after clearing waivers because he had previously been selected in the Rule 5 Draft and returned — he pitched five innings for the Phillies in 2016 before being offered back to the Royals. It appears, then, that the Tigers were willing to re-sign him to a big-league deal after he declared free agency because they could then option him to the minors, despite his having been a Rule 5 pick previously and the fact that he will again occupy a spot on their 40-man.
Stumpf pitched a total of 41 1/3 innings of relief in the minors last season, posting a 2.83 ERA, 8.5 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 with four separate affiliates in two organizations. He has a history as a starter and has shown the ability to pitch multiple-inning stretches. He threw his fastball in the 92-MPH range in his stint with the Phillies last season, also throwing a slider and change.
I like him. But hopefully we don’t see him on the Tigers 25 man roster this year with the 2 current Leftys in Justin Wilson and Kyle Ryan
Injuries happen. Lack of performance happen. Tired arms, overuse happen. Odds are we do see him in Detroit this year.
For sure, another Blaine Hardy.
It’s a good depth signing at the least.
As long as he doesn’t get suspended again.
Called it. Tall lefties with solid fastball velocity, AND the ability to throw strikes are rare. I am glad they were able to keep him.
Hopefully, he doesn’t get popped for drug use again. Stupid decisions lead to stupid results…