Detroit Tigers making pitching moves; adds depth to staff

The Detroit Tigers announced this past Friday that they have made three transactions, all pitching related. They have designated Angel De Jesus for assignment, claimed pitcher Zach Logue off of waivers from the Oakland Athletics, and signed Kervin Castro to a minor-league deal. While these are not big names, they could fill a role that is important down the stretch.

Pitcher Angel De Jesus made his major league debut for the Detroit Tigers last season at the age of 25. Before his promotion to the Tigers, De Jesus pitched for AAA affiliate Toledo Mud Hens and Gigantes of the Dominican Winter League. In eight games with the Detroit Tigers, De Jesus had a 2.13 ERA, seven strikeouts in 12 innings, and a 1.026 WHIP. He could play a key role this season for the Detroit Tigers bullpen.

Pitcher Zach Logue was claimed off of waivers from the Oakland Athletics for either a starter position or long relief, both of which he is qualified to do. He, too, made his major league debut last season at age 26. With Oakland, Logue pitched 57 innings, posting a record of 3-8, 42 strikeouts, starting 10 games, and allowing 43 earned runs. Logue was drafted in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Pitcher Kervin Castro was signed to a minor league deal and will likely be starting the year with Toledo. Castro has played for the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs, both in the National League. He has a record of 1-2, with a 4.91 ERA, 14 earned runs, and 24 strikeouts in 25 innings. Castro has primarily been used out of the bullpen but can be used for a spot start for the Detroit Tigers in the near future.

Logue and Castro are likely added for depth to the bullpen and will not make a major impact. However, those depth pieces can keep games close or make a difference long-term. Detroit needs depth at every position and pitching depth is something not every team has. How will they play out? Only they have that control but we have to be patient as these pitchers are still relatively young and, for a team trying to turn the corner, they could play a vital role in the future success of the Detroit Tigers.