Tigers right-hander Michael Lorenzen is going to start the season on the 15-day injured list, manager A.J. Hinch indicated this afternoon (relayed by Chris McCosky of the Detroit News). The offseason signee is dealing with a left groin strain. Hinch indicated it’s not expected to be a serious issue but will require Lorenzen to miss a couple turns through the rotation.
Detroit brought the veteran in on a one-year, $8.5MM guarantee over the winter. He and fellow free agent pickup Matthew Boyd were added to take the final couple rotation spots beyond Eduardo Rodriguez, Spencer Turnbull and Matt Manning.
While that’s on hold, Detroit is likely to turn to Joey Wentz as a starter, McCosky adds. The 6’5″ southpaw was first called up last May. He got into seven games during his debut campaign, working to a 3.03 ERA with a slightly below-average 20% strikeout rate. Wentz had a solid 3.17 mark across 48 1/3 frames with Triple-A Toledo. He’s gotten hit hard this spring, allowing 13 runs in 14 2/3 innings in spite of a respectable 19:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
No pitcher had a tougher go in Detroit camp than reliever Will Vest, however. The righty managed four innings over five appearances, giving up a staggering 13 runs on as many hits with only three strikeouts. That knocked him out of consideration for a season-opening bullpen job, as Detroit optioned him to Toledo this afternoon.
Vest looked to have a bullpen spot more or less sewn up entering camp. The 27-year-old worked 63 innings over 59 outings last season. He allowed exactly four earned runs per nine but posted average or better strikeout (23.2%), walk (8.1%) and ground-ball (49.7%) marks. Vest could certainly factor into the bullpen as the season goes along but will first have to earn his way back up.
Alongside Vest, Detroit optioned catcher Donny Sands this afternoon. Hinch told reporters that non-roster backstops Andrew Knapp and Michael Papierski were being reassigned to minor league camp (link via Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free-Press). That leaves Eric Haase and Jake Rogers as the season-opening catching duo. Haase always looked assured of a roster spot. He was one of Detroit’s most productive hitters last season and is out of options. Rogers earns the backup job as a defensive specialist, setting him up for his first MLB action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2021.
The good news is that they will finally be done with Miguel Cabrera’s sorry ass after this season.
Sorry Ass?! The man is a first ballot HOF and one of the greatest hitters ever. Not his fault that Detriot gave too many years and too dollars.
Not his fault, but his agent’s. I am sure Detroit would have gladly given him less years/money.
The agent was doing his job, can’t blame him either.
LOL!. I always tell my agent to take the least amount of money possible.
Maybe his sorry ass can try to fraudulently back out of more business contracts, like his ridiculous candy company fiasco.
Miggy has earned his place in history, granted he’s been below average for past 3-4 years but, he’s earned that right by sacrificing his body playing year after year with injuries. I’d rather see him as a coach than player these days but I’ll be in the stands watching him one more time
he’s earned that right by sacrificing his body playing year after year with injuries.
=============================
One of Miggy’s strengths is that he is hardly ever hurt. In terms of “sacrificing his body”, he might be in the bottom 1%.
I’m seeing my comment like 3 times! Does everyone else see it or is it just me? Idky it’s doing that. I’ve only seen it here for whatever reason. I apologize if you see it too.
One of Miggy’s strengths is that he played thru pain. He didn’t want to “earn” his money on the IL.
Dsett75 it seems to fix itself if you leave and come back. Mine also says ‘inside a box’ unexpected response from server. But eventually fixes itself.
I do too.
Yep, me too.
Me too.
And I’m seeing my comment like 3 times! Does everyone else see it or just me?? If so, I apologize. Idky it’s doing that. It only does it here for some reason.
I only see it once on here.
It’s not just a cliche, “How quickly they forget”
At least you know Miggy didn’t cheat, his body and talents got old naturally as what is normal with baseball players as they hit their late 30s. Not like David Ortiz who suddenly had these great years in his early 40s.
“Miggy” was roided out of his mind from 2011-2014.
Since you don’t have a name in your profile I vote we just call you “Dick” 😉 You sound like you are a fan of our one of the clubs who didn’t get him from the Marlins, not a Tigers fan.
He was roided out of his mind from 2011-2015. And I want for you to acknowledge it!
Ummhhh no.
I see you added a name to your profile and surprise, surprise you are a fan of the team we fleeced in that deal. You would have gotten a better return on magic beans 😉 At least you can take solace in the fact your team will finish a couple games ahead of us this year.
I haven’t seen much about him but has there been any indication if Englert is going to make the team or be returned?
Englert will easily make the team. This spring, he’s been one of their better relievers.
Haase had an excellent season last year for Detroit, especially with the rest of the offense struggling so badly. He had to carry the offense at times. Hopefully, he can build off his career year and keep it going in 2023. His backup, Rogers, doesn’t hit much for average but he can hit the baseball a long way when he makes contact. I won’t be surprised to see Detroit lead the AL in HRs by catchers (30+ HRs) so long as they both stay relatively healthy this season. They have to do something positive this year, right?
Cal Raleigh/Tom Murphy will be hard to beat for AL homeruns by catchers, if they stay healthy.
Sal Perez and MJ Melendez would like a word
Thank you for the reminder.
When you add in Sands in that’ll be even more HRs. They gave a good chance. Sal Perez can mash but MJ Melendez is ticketed for OF duty. Baltimore young fella might give them a run for their money and Toronto has two good backstops as well. I agree that our guys have a decent shot to lead the league in HRs.
Figured Wentz was ticketed for AAA barring injury. He hopefully seizes this opportunity. Lornezan has both started and relieved in his career. Right now, the way the Tigers pen looks could use him there more than in the rotation.
Always figured it would be Haase and Rogers this year.
When Lorenzon is healthy, he’ll go straight to the starting rotation.
I think Haase and Rogers will have a good year and look forward to Sands getting some time too. Maton has looked real good this spring. I hope they keep Baddoo and Carpenter. Carpenter can split time with Miggy and Baddoo can run roughshod on the bases…30 SB? Hernandez has looked sharp with all those doubles and Kreidler has really picked it up. Schoop should be worried.
I’m actually excited by the rotation. It doesn’t matter if they are good since we are not going to the playoffs but if they are, then maybe we trade some off at the deadline for good prospects or young players (Boyd, Turnbull, Rodriguez), resign someone for next year (Boyd) or get an idea if Wentz Manning and Brieske can join Skubal and Mize as a home grown rotation.
I think the bullpen is going to have some pleasant surprises through the year (Englert and Wingenter, maybe Uceta?).
Opening day is almost here!
Would love to see them claim Hiura and DFA Schoop. Maton has been very impressive this spring, excited to watch him this year.
Harris looks for players with bat to ball skills. That’s not Hiura.
Over 40 mil combined for miggy and Schoop. Then maybe next year we can actually spend to plug these holes
I’m not convinced Schoop has no game left, he had an unbelievably terrible season last year but that was very strange coming from a guy who had been a consistent presence in the league for years. I think he bounces back.
As to Cabrera, the finger to point is at a dead guy, as his foolish contract was solely the doing of Mike Ilitch, the same ignoramus who fired Dombrowski to replace him with Al Avila. The owner ruined the team more than anyone else.
Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s a return to competitiveness this season, especially without the top two pitchers.
I believe the most important thing we find out this season is if Tork can play or busts. I think he’s the key to the future, he was expected to be the guy, 30-40 homers and a reliable fielder, but he sure didn’t look anything like that guy. If he busts, I think competitive window is a long way off. I’m rooting for him.
Kreidler and Parker Meadows are looking good in the game vs the Jays.
Would love to see LHSP Joey Wentz in the Tigers rotation this year.
He was a high level draft pick for the Braves.
He was on of the top starters in the of the Arizona Fall league with MLB future stars.
Give Wentz a chance to have his “breakout year” in ’23 to get the rotation ready for contention in a few years.