The Tigers announced several roster moves in advance of tonight’s Rule 5 protection deadline. Five players have been added to the 40-man roster: right-handers Reese Olson and Brendan White, infielders Andre Lipcius and Wenceel Perez, as well as outfielder Parker Meadows. In corresponding moves, they designated righties Miguel Diaz and Kyle Funkhouser, catcher Michael Papierski and outfielder Brendon Davis for assignment. Lefty Sean Guenther cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo.
Funkhouser, 29 in March, showed some promise in 2021 with a 3.42 ERA over 68 1/3 innings for the Tigers. Unfortunately, a shoulder strain kept him from pitching at any point in 2022. The right-hander was the No. 35 pick by the Dodgers back in 2015 but, as a player who slid after initially being a projected as top-ten or even top-five talent, returned to Louisville for his senior season. A poor year caused him to slide to the Tigers in the fourth round, and he’s now seen his pro career slowed by multiple shoulder injuries. In 85 2/3 career innings, he has a 4.20 ERA and a 12.9% walk rate.
Diaz, 28 later this month, had some success with the Padres in 2021 and pitched 3 2/3 innings of one-run ball with the Tigers in 2022. The bulk of his ’22 campaign, however, was spent in Triple-A Toledo, where he logged a 4.29 ERA with a 24.2% strikeout rate and 10.5% walk rate. Diaz throws fairly hard, averaging just shy of 96 mph on his heater, but his ability to miss bats has been inconsistent in the Majors, whereas his sub-par command has been a steady component of his game.
The 26-year-old Papierski has bounced around the league in 2022, spending time with the Astros, Giants, Reds and Tigers so far this calendar year. He hit .143/.228/.187 in 103 plate appearances this season, his Major League debut, and carries a .241/.361/.371 batting line in 160 games at the Triple-A level.
Davis, whom the Tigers claimed off waivers from the Angels back in May, made his big league debut in 2022 and went 2-for-10 with a walk in 11 plate appearances. The 25-year-old is a career .253/.352/.465 hitter in 721 plate appearances at the Triple-A level and has experience at shortstop, second base, third base and in both outfield corners.
Good luck to Miguel Diaz. I hope he wins the All-Valley again some day.
He’s now too old for the All Valley as it’s an under 18 tournament. However, the worldwide tourney could be his for the taking!
Kyle Funkhouser is my favorite name in baseball. We need to sign him to a minors deal.
I need that name in our system.
It is a tremendous name no doubt…I still prefer Tim Spooneybarger.
Richard Lovelady
Wait what? Wasn’t Funkhouser really good last year? What am I missing?
He had a decent season I’m assuming it’s because of all the inconsistencies and injuries since he was drafted. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round the same draft as Derek Hill. He ended up opting to go back to Louisville and get his degree instead. Had he gone to the Dodgers I’m sure he’d be an All-Star pitcher right now. He’ll probably get claimed off waivers.
It’s very unlikely that he’ll get claimed off waivers.
Seam, you’re missing a season. Well, actually, Funkhouser missed the season, 2022. But, yes, he did look pretty good in 2021.
Funkhouser should probably be claimed. Surprised he’s one who got the cut.
I know Funk is hurt but he was pretty good last year. How the hell does Zack Short still have a roster spot?
Funk didn’t pitch at all last year and was not recovering well from his injury. He was expected back mid season but never made it back at all.
It’s fun to be in an era where the moves don’t make zero sense.
The Tigers just acquired C Michael Papierski.
They were never going to keep him on the 40 man roster. They’ll hope he passes through waivers and they’ll keep him in the system for depth.
Is this Meadows Austin’s little bro?
Yes
No surprises for Detroit, so that’s always good. Too bad the commissioner could not create a player / coach position, so guys like Miguel and Albert could play without being on the roster as a player. One for each team so guys on a long term team or deal can play out without injuring the team.
If baseball can create like Ohtani rules, how about doing that ? It feels like it’s going to another long year in Detroit.
Yes, another long year. I heard they’re gonna move the team to the island of mid-fit toys.
Another roster spot has already been added. If you do something like that, would you put your highest paid player there? The Angels can move Mike Trout to this position so it doesn’t count against their cap.