Saturday Tracks: Seay’s Setback, Roster Cuts, Fien Comes Home

Bad news out of Lakeland today when Bobby Seay came up lame in his latest attempt to re-join the ranks of healthy arms in camp. The Tigers left hander has been sidelined for most of camp with lingering shoulder soreness. After resting for a couple weeks, Seay tried throwing a bullpen today but had to cut it short. “The feeling I have in my arm is nothing I’ve ever felt before,” he said. “It just lingers and lingers. I’m nowhere near the pitcher I need to be.”

According the the report filed by Tom Gage, the next step is for Seay to undergo an MRI on the ailing limb. Regardless of the findings, Seay will not be ready by Opening Day, and could miss significant time thanks to this injury.

This past offseason, despite already having four other left handed relievers on the roster, the Tigers chose to offer Seay a contract. They then complicated matters by signing him to a deal ahead of an arbitration hearing, thus guaranteeing his salary. Seay is set to earn nearly $2.5MM this season. Who knows if he’ll even be able to pitch.

In other news, the Tigers made their first significant round of cuts this morning, sending out no less than nine players. No major surprises among the group, but notable that Casper Wells was involved, thereby ending his quest to make the team. Wells will start the season at AAA Toledo, joining him will be 1B Ryan Strieby, OF Brennan Boesch, and P Alfredo Figaro. INF Audy Ciriaco was optioned to AA Erie, and INF Kory Castro, C Mike Rabelo, P Andrew Oliver, and INF Gustavo Nunez were re-assigned to minor league camp.

And finally, a hearty welcome back to RHP Casey Fien. The Tigers announced today that Fien was signed to a minor league deal. Fien had been designated for assignment in late February by the Tigers to clear roster space for Johnny Damon. He was claimed by the RedSox, then waived and claimed by Toronto. The Blue Jays released him on Thursday and he is now back with Detroit. Fien will likely pitch at AAA Toledo again this season.