Detroit Tigers Showing Interest in Free Agent Pitcher Kyle Lohse
By Matt Snyder
The Detroit Tigers are showing interest in free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse, according to a report by MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
The Detroit Tigers might be looking to add another pitcher into the mix this season. Jon Heyman of MLB Network has reported on Twitter that the Tigers are one of at least three teams showing interest in veteran pitcher Kyle Lohse.
Tigers, orioles, reds among teams showing interest in kyle lohse. Looking for "right fit." at least o's made offer.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 18, 2016
Lohse, who went unsigned in the offseason, was previously linked to the Tigers whel Anibal Sanchez‘s arm issues flared up in the spring. The Orioles and Red also attended Lohse’s spring showcase.
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The 37-year old right-hander has primarily been a starer in his career, but he made 15 appearances out of the bullpen for the Milwaukee Brewers last season. Lohse had been running a string of four-straight seasons with an ERA below 3.60 until a severe increase in home run rate (among other factors) led to a bloated 5.85 ERA in 2015.
Despite the early struggles of some members of the starting rotation — notably Mike Pelfrey — it’s unlikely that the Tigers would be looking to immediately add Lohse to the starting rotation. And with Daniel Norris (back) rehabbing from injury and Matt Boyd and Michael Fulmer dominating in AAA, the club is not without depth options in the minor leagues.
That is to say, the Tigers are probably not looking at Lohse with an eye toward necessarily promoting him to the major leagues any time soon. They’re likely looking at Lohse as another depth option to help stabilize the pitching staff should injuries strike. The Tigers are in the rare position (for them) of having some depth in the minor leagues, but they don’t have much in the way of proven big league commodities.
The Detroit Tigers probably can’t offer Lohse a quick patch to the major leagues like, say, the Reds probably could, but they can offer a chance to be a part of a competitive organization if he has his sights set on a possible World Series ring.