Detroit Tigers: Pirates Seem to Have an Affinity for Detroit Relievers

Detroit Tigers relief pitchers have had trouble being effective in past years. This has led to roster moves that have resulted in a few pitchers departing. Some of those pitchers have landed in Pittsburgh.

Detroit Tigers relievers have struggled in past seasons. From higher-profile names like Joe Nathan, Jose Valverde and Joba Chamberlain to lesser-known players like Jeff Ferrell, Ian Krol and Chad Smith, all manner of relief pitchers have had a hard time finding success coming out of the Detroit bullpen.

Thankfully, the Tigers (namely general manager Al Avila) has done a tremendous job in rebuilding the team’s relief corps. With new additions coming in, some ineffective incumbents had to go.

For some reason, the Pittsburgh Pirates seem to have an affinity for Detroit relievers.

Pittsburgh made the first of many transactions when the National League Central club acquired Detroit closer Joakim Soria at the 2015 trade deadline.

Soria would go on to make 29 appearances for the Bucs, pitching 26.2 innings. While the 31-year-old didn’t save games on a consistent bases for Pittsburgh, he did post a singular save and an impressive 2.03 ERA (1.93 FIP) as a setup reliever.

The trade netted the Tigers one of Detroit’s best prospects in JaCoby Jones, while also kicking off a series of moves. Since last July, Pittsburgh has acquired four different Detroit relievers—yes, four! 

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The quartet obviously includes Soria, but it also includes Guido Knudson. Knudson, a 26-year-old right-hander, made his Major League debut with the Tigers last season. In five innings, he was shell shocked, allowing 13 hits, 10 runs (all earned), five home runs and three walks.

Knudson joined the Pittsburgh organization in early November on waivers is currently a depth piece at Triple-A.

Following Knudson, the next Tiger to join the Pirates was Kyle Lobstein. The 26-year-old, who has mainly pitched as a starter, is now coming out of Pittsburgh’s bullpen.

Lobstein joined the Bucs in a trade for cash, and has appeared in two games. During the two games, the former Tiger has registered a win while posting a 4.50 ERA with four strikeouts. He has been tagged for three hits, two walks, two runs and a home run. As it stands, he’s one of Pittsburgh’s long relievers. In other words, if Detroit gets to an opposing starter over the next three games against the Pirates, expect Lobstein to make an appearance.

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Lastly, and perhaps most surprisingly, the Pirates signed Neftali Feliz. Yes, the same Neftali Feliz who had a 7.62 ERA and a -1.1 WAR in 28.1 innings pitched for the Tigers last season. The move is even more surprising considering Pittsburgh reportedly (per Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan) gave Feliz $3.9 million to pitch for the club in 2016. That’s quite a price tag for a reliever who’s ERA approached 8.00 last season.

The Pirates clearly liked something in Feliz, and so far the reliever has repaid the team’s faith in him. In four innings, the 27-year-old has thrown five innings while only allowing one base runner—a hit batter. The reliever also has six strikeouts. He got into Monday’s game, tallying a strikeout in a perfect inning versus his former employers.

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Pittsburgh has obviously found value in Detroit’s bullpen castoffs. The Detroit Tigers are clearly feel confident with the team’s current bullpen, which includes Francisco Rodriguez, Mark Lowe, Justin Wilson, Drew VerHagen, Logan Kensing, Blaine Hardy and Alex Wilson. In other words, they won’t be missed in the bullpen. However, that being said, it is nice to see so many land on their feet in Pittsburgh.