The Tigers announced they’ve claimed reliever Sam Howard off waivers from the Pirates and optioned him to Triple-A Toledo. He’d been designated for assignment last week. Detroit had two vacancies on the 40-man roster, so no additional move was necessary.
Howard, 29, has pitched in the big leagues with the Rockies and Bucs in each of the past five seasons. The Georgia Southern product has shown the ability to generate plenty of whiffs, but he’s also battled notable control woes. He’s tallied 91 MLB innings across 103 appearances, pitching to a 5.34 ERA with a solid 27.2% strikeout rate but a 14.1% walk percentage. He had an even more extreme version of that batted ball-averse style last season, when he fanned 30.2% but walked 16.1% of opponents in a personal-high 45 innings.
Those strike-throwing concerns became problematic enough for the Bucs to move on, but the Tigers will roll the dice on Howard’s swing-and-miss capabilities. He generated whiffs on 15.8% of his offerings last season, the 16th-highest rate among relievers with 40+ innings pitched. His four-seam fastball, in particular, was excellent at missing bats.
Howard still has a couple minor league option years remaining, so the Tigers can keep him at Toledo as a depth option for a while if he holds onto a 40-man roster spot. He’ll be the third left-handed reliever on the depth chart behind offseason signee Andrew Chafin and primary closer Gregory Soto.
Too bad he isn’t a position player who can hit.
Yep. Instead he’s a pitcher who can’t pitch
Taking the Pirates sloppy seconds. Not a good look.
Only when he’s better than our sloppy firsts !
Hopefully Fetters sees something he can tweak.
While you were reading this, Howard was issuing another walk. One of these guys who makes watching him pitch maddening: he’s practically a three-outcome pitcher (strikeout, walk or homer, not necessarily in that order).
I’m guessing the batter wasn’t Cole tucker that drew the walk
The waiver wire might not be the best pipeline for superstars. At least the Tigers got a LHP for their bullpen, who can be stashed at AAA. This seems like a decent depth move to me.
Gruß,
BSHH
Yeah, why not ? At this point there’s absolutely nothing to lose….
Most people do not know this,but Sam’s brothers are named Moe,Curly,and Shemp.
Ohhhhh, a wise guy! Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck!
ACTUALLY…..
Moses Howard = MOE
Samuel Howard = SHEMP
Jerome Howard = CURLY
Sorry, I’m a WISEGUY !!
Dr Howard, Dr Fine, Dr Howard
Trivia. What Pirate HOFer appeared in a movie with Moses and Samuel Horowitz before they became Moe and Shemp?
I am skeptical but I will guess Pie Traynor.
For love-Thank you for appreciating my dumb humor.
Oh no.
Tigers probably see something in him they can fix. Chris Fetter has done a great job with the pitching staff.
We need a Chris Fetter hitting instructor !
This season is so excruciating, I even feel bad for harassing Al.
It was all in good fun when I was just harassing him, being a heckler. I didn’t think it would turn out like this….. It is so sad.
Geez…you guys really DO need to hire me…..