The Tigers agreed to terms with Trevor Rosenthal today on a Minor League deal, per the team’s PR department (via Twitter). Rosenthal has been assigned to Triple-A.
This move has been expected for a couple of days now, but Rosenthal is officially on his way to Toledo to join the Mud Hens. Adding Rosenthal is a nice no-risk move for the Tigers, who are going nowhere fast this season and therefore have a longer leash to give Rosenthal.
He still has electric stuff, but in his first game action since missing all of 2018, the former Cardinals closer has shown a complete inability to direct his high-90s heater. The inefficiency of his performance in Washington – to be kind – has been well-documented, but it’s still staggering to see: -1.0 rWAR in 6 1/3 innings, 22.74 ERA (10.13 FIP), 21.3 BB/9, 0.33 BB/K, and of course, he did not record an out until his 5th appearance of the season. Rosenthal carries a disproportionately large share of the Nationals bullpen struggles, as even their recent bullpen blowup against the Braves – pegged as a ’here-we-go-again’ moment in DC – can be laid at Rosenthal’s feet (Joe Ross burdens a smidgen of the blame as well).
Despite this unimaginably bad start, he will have some time to get himself back on track out of the national spotlight. Given that the Nationals are on the hook for all but the minimum, the Tigers really have nothing to lose by giving Rosenthal more reps in the minors. Again, he’s still averaging 98 mph on his fastball, and if Rosenthal can to snap back to form, his live arm still plays as a late-in-games weapon.
The Tigers are definitely hoping Rosenthal can polish up quickly. They’ll try to deal him to a contender at the trade deadline. It’s a good move for everybody.
I can’t help but think this is the move the Twins should have made rather than signing a seriously declined version of Cody Allen just because he’s one of Falvey’s cronies.
The Tigers are not dealing Rosenthal at the deadline. He might become the new closer when Greene is dealt. They need someone experienced in that role, not that they’re going to have many save opportunities. Jimenez simply isn’t ready to take over the role….he’s barely a setup guy at this point.
Very doubtful the Tigers signed Rosey with the intent to flip him. He’ll need at least a couple of weeks to try and straighten things out in the minors. By then, with the short stretch he’d have left for an opportunity in the majors, with the Tigers, there just wouldn’t be time to build the trust it would take for a team to trade for him.
He could not give up anything for the next month, and Tigers still wouldn’t get a warm body for this guy.
Rosenthal is still throwing 98mph on average and he’s not giving up hard contact. His problem is being unable to throw strikes.
There’s no value for a Tigers team completely out of the running for the playoffs and in full rebuild mode to sign him if they can’t turn him into an asset. He’s going to be earning the league minimum and there are a ton of teams out there desperate for relief pitching.
I’d be willing to bet Rosental is up by the first week of of July and if he’s throwing strikes, the numbers will follow. A couple weeks of impressive results will definitely get a biter on that league minimum contract.
Might as well
Profound comment.
Seems like he may be slotted in if/when Greene is dealt.
Another sign that there is not enough “major league” talent for 30 rosters.
League contraction would have good. Gone would be Royals, Indians, Mets, Marlins, Athletics, Orioles.
That being said, Rosenthal will find it and be a diamond for the rest of season. The Tigers just need to find more and fast so they are palatable to watch.
Adam Lind would like a word with you
Adam Lind was new era Rob Deere. No speed or field glove or big enough power. MLB is so insanely high level talent on winning teams. I watch foreign leagues or minors just for appreciate MLB level. Palate cleanse type thing?
That said, polarized US socioeconomics have reflect in sports. Also Matthew principle coming true, hard, a lot. Cut some teams that are just not having markets for compete.
The Adam Lind types still have baseball home just not in THE show. Maybe Japan, Korea, or even revive player coach type thing in upper minors. Cut Marlin, Oriole, Athletic, Indian, Mets. Then average talent baseball level statistic line is high and smooth across league.
Trollin’ trollin’ trollin’ keep those trolls a rollin’
There is no way this guy gets dealt at the deadline. Greene on the other hand will surely be dealt. Al must be hoping he still has something in the tank.
That’s it. The missing piece. The Tigers are going all the way now. Who needs Boyd or Mize? Detroit is set for life after this deal.
Excellent move by AA. We’ll trade Greeney for a top 50 prospect and Rosey will get new life. Win-Win.