While most Detroit Tigers fans are focused on what’s happening with the big league club, as the team is in the midst of one of its best seasons in recent history, there are still moves happening around the majors and minor leagues involving former Tigers.
Some of these ex-Tigers players might’ve played in the Motor City for a few months or a couple of seasons. Meanwhile, others might have been a part of the organization, playing for one of the minor league teams.
During this time of the season, the transaction wire is in constant rotation as players are trying to find their next opportunity after they’ve been DFA’d or released.
For one ex-Tigers minor league pitcher, this is the situation he’s in, as he was just released on Monday.
Former Tigers Pitcher Cam Brown Gets Released by Astros’ Single-A Affiliate
According to the MiLB.com’s transaction log, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Houston Astros’ Single-A affiliate) released former Tigers pitcher Cam Brown on Monday.
The 27-year-old pitcher joined the Astros’ organization on April 9, as they signed him to a minor league deal after the Lakeland Flying Tigers released Brown on March 25. Brown appeared in 27 games out of the bullpen for Woodpeckers.
The right-handed reliever pitched well for the Woodpeckers, compiling a 6-3 record, a 2.43 ERA, and four saves.
The former Central Michigan pitcher allowed 29 hits, 18 walks, 16 runs (11 earned), and a home run, while striking out 41 hitters across 40.2 innings pitched. He also held opponents to a .200 batting average, which isn’t too shabby at any level of baseball.
This was Brown’s first year in Houston’s organization, as he spent the previous three years with the Tigers. Detroit originally signed Brown to a minor league contract in April 2022 and sent him immediately to FCL Tigers East.
He didn’t spend much time in the Florida Complex League, as Brown joined Lakeland in May of that season. From there, Brown advanced to Western Michigan (High-A) in September 2022, where he only made two appearances.
It appeared that Brown was on his way to climbing the minor league ladder. But in 2023, Brown split time between Lakeland and Western Michigan before spending all of last season at Single-A.
Last season with the Flying Tigers, Brown had a 6-1 record, 3.51 ERA, six saves, and three holds in 40 appearances.
That said, with Houston cutting ties, one does wonder what is next for Brown. It’s clear that he can pitch well at the Single-A and High-A.
However, does a new team give a chance at Double-A, especially at his age? Or will the former Tigers minor leaguer take his chances overseas, which could give him a pro opportunity right away?