Detroit Tigers Purchase Presley’s Contract, Reportedly Sign Ciriaco

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila made a move to bolster the team’s depth for the stretch run by purchasing the contract of Alex Presley. Additionally, Pedro Ciriaco was reportedly signed.

Detroit Tigers players have been hit with the injury bug as of late. Nick Castellanos, Mike Pelfrey, Jordan Zimmermann, Jose Iglesias and Cameron Maybin are all sidelined at the moment.

The Tigers already made a move to improve the team’s infield depth in the form of Erick Aybar. With the infield needs accounted for, Avila and company added another outfielder to the Major League roster with Maybin out.

Detroit brought up outfielder Alex Presley from Toledo.

The team’s official Twitter account announced the move. Detroit’s Twitter account tweeted, “The #Tigers have purchased the contract of OF Alex Presley from Triple-A Toledo, today. Presley will wear No. 14 for the #Tigers.

Furthermore, the team announced a corresponding move as Presley needed to be added to the 40-man roster. Detroit’s Twitter account tweeted, “To create room on the 40-man roster for Presley, the #Tigers have designated for assignment the contract of RHP Bobby Parnell.” 

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Presley, who is coming off a 34-game stint with the Mud Hens, signed with the Tigers earlier in the season to provide depth. A veteran of seven Major League seasons, the outfielder previously saw time with the Brewers this season. He hit .198 in 47 games and accumulated12 runs scored, 11 RBI, three home runs and two doubles.

Presley’s Career Stats

While those numbers don’t jump off the page, the former Brewer did find success earlier in his career. From 2010 to 2013, Presley hit .264 while adding 92 runs scored, 60 RBI, 32 doubles, 20 stolen bases, 17 home runs and 15 triples in 232 games.

Since breaking into the big leagues in 2010 he’s also seen time with the Astros, Twins and Pirates.

Parnell, who achieved previous success with the Mets, appeared in just six games for Detroit. The former closer pitched to a 6.75 ERA in 5.1 innings pitched. He also added five walks and two wild pitches.

Tigers Reportedly Sign Pedro Ciriaco

On Thursday, the Tigers reportedly did more than just select Presley’s contract. Per a tweet from MLive.com’s Evan Woodbery, the team have brought in infielder Pedro Ciriaco. The reporter tweeted, “Tigers have signed free agent 2B Pedro Ciriaco, 30, to a minor-league deal and assigned him to Toledo.

Ciriaco has appeared in 272 games over his six-year career in the Majors. Like Presley, he broke into the big leagues with Pittsburgh before moving to other organizations. The infielder is a career .268 hitter.

He previously appeared in the Majors during the 2015 season with Atlanta. In 84 for the National League club, the veteran hit .261 with 15 RBI, 14 runs scored, eight doubles, four stolen bases, a home run and a triple.

During his career, Ciriaco has accumulated 70 runs scored, 51 RBI, 35 stolen bases, 32 doubles, seven triples and five home runs.

Next: A Look at Erick Aybar's Career

Having played seven positions, Ciriaco will provide the Tigers with a solid utility option in Toledo.