Drew Carlton

Tigers reliever Drew Carlton has cleared waivers and been outrighted off the 40-man roster, relays Evan Woodbery of MLive (Twitter link). Detroit’s 40-man roster tally now sits at 39.

Carlton was selected to make his big league debut in September. The 26-year-old made four appearances down the stretch, allowing a pair of runs on six hits and four walks with a strikeout over his first 3 2/3 MLB innings. That brief stint wasn’t great, but Carlton had a far more impressive showing throughout the year with the Mud Hens. He frequently worked multiple frames of relief in Triple-A, compiling 52 1/3 innings over 33 outings. In that time, Carlton posted an impressive 2.92 ERA with a fine 23.6% strikeout percentage and a stellar 4.8% walk rate.

The righty doesn’t have the requisite service time to refuse an outright assignment, so he’ll remain in the organization. Assuming he’s not selected in the upcoming Rule 5 draft, Carlton figures to get an opportunity to compete for a roster spot next Spring Training.

The Tigers have selected the contract of Drew Carlton from Triple-A. When he appears in a game, it will be his Major League debut. The Tigers 40-man roster still has two spots open.

The 25-year-old was a 32nd round draft pick out of Florida State back in 2017. Since then, the unheralded righty has done nothing but shove. His 3.12 ERA in Triple-A this season is his highest such mark at any level of the minors.

In a piece last December from Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Carlton spoke about his arsenal, saying, “I really take pride in my command of all three of my pitches. They’re not good by themselves, but with the command, they are pretty good. I’ve had to really work my tail off to produce the numbers I have. That’s the only way I’m going to be able to get up there (to the majors).”

Carlton has made it now, and he’ll have the chance to prove himself again while pitching out of the Tigers’ bullpen. Hard to say how long his stay will be in the Majors, but hopefully Carlton at least gets in a game during this stint. Regardless, he’s on the 40-man roster now, which is in and of itself a positive sign that suggests Carlton will get a chance at the Major League level.