Detroit Tigers Reshuffle Bullpen, Option William Cuevas, Recall Warwick Saupold

Detroit Tigers fans will see a new pitcher join the team. Detroit’s official Twitter account announced that Warwick Saupold has been added to the Major League roster. He replaces William Cuevas.

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher William Cuevas struggled in his first outing with the team.

The right-hander, who came up in the Boston organization and appeared in three games for the Red Sox last season, only threw a third of an inning on Friday.

Replacing Justin Wilson, who had worked out of jam in the eighth, Cuevas gave up a double to Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor before hitting outfielder Brandon Guyer.

To his credit, the former Red Sox did strike out slugger Edwin Encarnacion, but after that he allowed single to Jose Ramirez and Yandy Diaz to make it a 7-2 ballgame.

At that point, manager Brad Ausmus opted to bring in closer Francisco Rodriguez to finish things off.

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Rodriguez struck out Abraham Almonte, but surrendered a pinch-hit grand slam to Lonnie Chisenhall.

With the exception of the pinch hitter, all of the runs on the play were charged to Cuevas.

Roster Move

On Saturday morning, Detroit’s official Twitter account announced the team’s latest roster move in a tweet.

The Tigers tweeted the following:

"“Following last night’s game, the Tigers optioned RHP Willie Cuevas to Toledo (AAA). RHP Warwick Saupold has been recalled from Toledo today.”"

Saupold previously made six appearances for the Tigers last season. In those outings, he totaled 9.2 innings pitched and struck out 10 batters.

The right-hander also allowed 17 hits, eight runs and three walks. He hit a batter and finished two games.

All told, Saupold’s ERA finished at 7.45. However, his 2.32 FIP suggested he was much better than his ERA indicated.

In two starts for Triple-A Toledo this season, Saupold has notched a 1.69 ERA while striking out nine batters in 10.2 innings. He’s only walked three over the same span.

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The 27-year-old’s recall marks the fourth pitcher the Tigers have called up from Toledo this season. The others include Blaine Hardy, Joe Jimenez and Cuevas.