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Detroit Tigers: Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe May Have More Trade Value in Season

By Ben Rosener

Jul 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee (52) talks to catcher James McCann (34) and starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee (52) talks to catcher James McCann (34) and starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) throws a pitch during the seventh inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) throws a pitch during the seventh inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Similar Deals

In terms of previous deal, there have been plenty of examples of teams moving sizeable salaries on short contracts in trades.

Just recently in August, New York and Pittsburgh swapped a couple of struggling pitchers. The Mets sent reliever Antonio Bastardo to Pittsburgh for former Mets starter Jon Niese.

Bastardo had logged a 5.07 FIP in 43.2 innings for New York, while Niese’s FIP wasn’t that encouraging either. In 110 innings for Pittsburgh, the starter posted a 5.37 FIP.

Additionally, at last season’s trade deadline, the Pirates and Dodgers traded struggling outfielders in a trade that saw Michael Morse and Jose Tabata switch places.

Benoit for Storen

However, perhaps the most prominent example of previous deal involved the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. Seattle dealt former Tigers reliever Joaquin Benoit to Toronto for ex-Nationals closer Drew Storen.

In a swap of struggling relievers on contending teams, both Benoit and Storen rebounded nicely after changing uniforms and cities.

The generally dependable Benoit saw his ERA balloon to 5.18 in the Pacific Northwest before allowing just one run in 23.2 innings for Toronto down the stretch.

Storen came with a similarly strong track record before last season. However, like Benoit he struggled. The reliever posted a 6.21 ERA and a 5.01 FIP in 33.1 innings pitching in a Toronto uniform.

Once he was dealt to Seattle, Storen rebounded with a 3.44 ERA and a 2.77 FIP in 18.1 innings as a Mariner.

Detroit could move Pelfrey or Lowe in a similar type of deal for a starter or reliever on an expiring contract.

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