Detroit Tigers Release Mike Pelfrey, Have One Roster Decision Left
By Matt Snyder
The Detroit Tigers announced the release of Mike Pelfrey on Thursday morning. They have one more roster cut to make to get down to 25 players.
We heard rumors yesterday that the Detroit Tigers were trying to find a trade partner for Mike Pelfrey but they apparently didn’t get any bites as the team announced his release on Thursday morning. The Tigers were said to be willing to pay all of Pelfrey’s 2017 salary but still no one would give anything up to take him off their hands.
The Tigers gave Pelfrey a two year, $16 million contract ahead of the 2016 season. He ended up delivering 119 innings with a 5.07 ERA in 24 total appearances.
The Tigers today have unconditionally released RHP Mike Pelfrey. The Tigers have 28 players remaining in major league camp.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) March 30, 2017
The list of 28 names still includes J.D. Martinez, who is headed for the disabled list, and Steven Moya, who was placed on outright waivers yesterday, so they’re really down to 26 players for 25 spots.
The Tigers are currently holding one extra player in the bullpen with the odd-man out seeming to be left-handed Rule 5 draftee Daniel Stumpf. Jason Beck tells us that Stumpf has been placed on waivers as well.
Daniel Stumpf said he's waiting on waivers. As a two-time Rule 5 pick, he can opt for free agency if he clears. Could re-sign with Tigers.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 30, 2017
Being a Rule 5 pick, the Tigers cannot simply send Stump to the minor leagues. He needs to pass through waivers first with other clubs being given the opportunity to add him to their major league roster. If he clears waivers he can opt to sign a major or minor league contract with any team.
Next: 5 Tigers Players Who Need to Bounce Back in 2017
If Stumpf and Moya are indeed the final roster cuts as expected, the Tigers would have their opening day 25-man roster finalized.