The Tigers announced Wednesday that righty Drew Hutchison, who was designated for assignment over the weekend, cleared outright waivers and elected free agency rather than accepting an assignment to the minors (presumably to Triple-A Toledo). That doesn’t necessarily preclude Hutchison from returning to the Tigers; he rejected one outright assignment earlier this year, only to return on a new minor league deal a few days later. (Newly brokered deals can include more timely opt-out opportunities, new terms, etc.)
Hutchison, 31, has tossed 24 1/3 innings for the Tigers this season, pitching to a 4.81 ERA with shaky strikeout and walk tendencies (17 strikeouts, 16 walks). He yielded five runs through 8 2/3 frames during this most recent big league stint and also carries a 2.79 ERA through 9 2/3 innings in Triple-A so far this year.
After showing some promise with the Blue Jays earlier in his career and even earning an Opening Day starter nod with Toronto, Hutchison has settled in as a journeyman starter/reliever, now having pitched for five different big league teams across the past six seasons (in addition to Triple-A stops with three other clubs). In 506 Major League innings, he has a 4.96 ERA with an even 20% strikeout rate against a roughly average 8.3% walk rate.
Hutchison sports a sub-4.00 ERA in 591 2/3 career Triple-A frames as well, making him a solid depth option to have on hand — be it for the Tigers or another club with pitching needs. Few clubs have had as many pitching injuries this year as Detroit, however, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see him return for another stint, as the path back to the big leagues is more open there than with most organizations.
Pineda made a rehab start after fracturing his finger on a line drive. Manning is resuming baseball activities. Hopefully Eduardo Rodriguez can fix his marriage and re-join the team. Hutchison only has a job with the Tigers if none of them can make it back. Limiting teams to 13 pitchers also hurts the chances of a 14th pitcher.
He’ll probably eventually sign and join Toledo, not on the 40 man. I think he already did that once this season
Team must face facts: Candelario Grossman Meadows Schoop just don’t have it. Give Peralta a start—what a waste he’s been with his infrequent 1-inning stints. Is this a rebuild or retool? Come on, Avila. What’s going on with Skubal? This team needs Skubal Faedo Manning Peralta Rodriguez each out there every five days—apart from Mize (TJS), is there someone I’m forgetting? Is late ‘23 too early to hope for Jobe? Why can’t we have a consistent everyday lineup (see Clemens, the Castros)? Gotta love Riley—anyone else down there we’re waiting for? I think we’re just hurting Tork—he’s not ready.
Is that because there is a limit to how many injuries any one pitching staff can have happen in a year? I think the Tigers passed that mark some time ago. Manning has stopped his rehab before. Not a sure thing he will make it all the way back this time.
Well, they don’t have room for Hutchison on a 13 man staff. Add a 14th man (Pineda or E-Rod or Manning) and now Hutch is two people removed from having a spot. He would be three injuries away from a roster spot if a second pitcher comes back. The math doesn’t favor his return to the team.
Free to retire lol on his time.
At age 31, not likely.
Why on earth would he retire? He punched a minor league ticket at a minimum salary of $ 150,000 for next year already – with a decent chance to make it to the MLB.
Gruß,
BSHH
Sounds like another Norris! Please Do acquire him Milwaukee Brewers. We have enough ham and eggers!
Drew tell Avila what u really think