Earlier this week, the Detroit Tigers made a couple of roster changes at the minor league level, which might have flown under the radar for some fans.
On Tuesday, the Tigers released 10-year veteran Manuel Margot, who started the season with the big league club. But after an injured list stint in May, he stayed at Triple-A Toledo. Speaking of Toledo, the Tigers also signed left-handed pitcher Devin Smeltzer to a minor league deal, who was assigned to the Mud Hens.
At this time of the season, teams are searching for diamonds in the rough in the minor leagues, whether they are vets or prospects, as they try to get through the 162-game marathon. And the Tigers are no different.
Tigers Cut Ties With Minor League Reliever Ricky Vanasco
However, that wasn’t the only move the Tigers made earlier this week. Detroit also cut ties with right-handed pitcher Ricky Vanasco, who made one appearance in the Motor City last season, per MiLB.com transactions log.
The 26-year-old Vanasco has been a career minor league pitcher up to this point, as he’s only had a couple of cups of coffee with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tigers.
Vanasco was acquired by the Tigers last July in a trade from the Dodgers, who had designated him for assignment. Vanasco appeared in two games out of the bullpen for Detroit, as he spent most of his time at Triple-A Toledo.
At Triple-A Toledo, the 26-year-old pitcher had a 1-0 record and 1.06 ERA in 11 appearances. After the season ended, the Tigers designated Vanasco for assignment in November, but they signed him to a minor league deal.
This season, Vanasco hasn’t seen any time with the big club as he started the year with the Mud Hens.
The right-handed hurler had a few seven-day IL stints, which didn’t help his case in trying to get back to the majors. Vanasco made 21 appearances in the minors (18 at Triple-A and three at Single-A), where he had a 4-3 record and 4.76 ERA.
It wasn’t good enough to keep him with the Mud Hens, but the hope is that the ex-Tigers pitcher can find another opportunity in the coming days.