March 31: Stumpf has cleared waivers, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports (via Twitter). The club announced he has been offered back to Kansas City, though as noted he could also elect free agency.
March 30: The Tigers have placed lefty Daniel Stumpf on waivers, the pitcher himself told reporters including Evan Woodberry of MLive.com (via Twitter). He was taken in the Rule 5 draft last winter from the Royals.
Because Stumpf was previously taken in the Rule 5 draft and returned to K.C. — last summer, he was shipped back from the Phillies — he’s in something of a unique situation, as Woodberry notes. If he clears waivers, Stumpf would have the right to reject an assignment with the Royals and instead take free agency.
Stumpf, now 26, only made a few MLB appearances last year because he first served a PED suspension. He was assigned to Double-A by the Royals, where he worked to a 2.11 ERA with 11.0 K/9 against 1.7 BB/9 — thus setting up his latest Rule 5 adventure. He failed to follow up on that this spring, though, allowing four earned runs on five hits and five walks while striking out eight opposing hitters in 8 2/3 frames.
So Kyle Ryan wins the bullpen spot?
Yup
Honestly, Wilson, Ryan, and Hardy all performed better than Stumpf
If he can refuse the assignment and elect free agency, does he still have to be on a 40 man all year after signing? I’ve never seen this happen before.
No. The Rule 5 process ends after the player passes through waivers and is offered back to his original team. If another team claims him, the Rule 5 rules apply. If not, since he has been out-righted before, he can declare free agency. It looks like a waiver claim or free agency for Stumpf.
Another ped user out
Hope he clears, refuses KC, and signs back with Detroit.