The Tigers bullpen could have some reinforcements on the way, with righty Wily Peralta and lefty Andrew Chafin making their way back.
Peralta was signed to a minor-league deal in mid-March, on the heels of a solid 2021 campaign. In 93 2/3 innings over 18 starts and one relief appearance, he put up an ERA of 3.07. His 14.4% strikeout rate was well below average, but he paired that with a 50.7% ground ball rate. Due to issues with the work visa process, he wasn’t able to report to camp until April 3, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. He’s now pitching in the minors and seems to be on a good track.
“We’ll probably have a couple outings there where he pitches a day, maybe a day off and pitch again like a reliever,” manager A.J. Hinch tells Petzold. “But we’d like him on our team as soon as he’s ready.” Peralta isn’t currently on the 40-man roster and will require a corresponding move.
As for Chafin, he was signed to a two-year, $13M contract after having the best season of his career. In 68 2/3 innings between the Cubs and A’s, he had a minuscule 1.83 ERA, along with a 24.1% strikeout rate and 7.1% walk rate. He’s yet to make his debut as a Tiger due to a left groin strain, though he did throw a bullpen Sunday.
“It’s the best his arm has felt and his body has felt the entire spring, even when his leg wasn’t injured,” Hinch says. Although there’s no specific timetable, Hinch says “It’s trending in the right direction.”
As for Jose Cisnero, he won’t be re-joining the club anytime soon, as he was placed on the 60-day IL to start the season with a strained right shoulder. The good news is that he won’t be undergoing surgery, per Jason Beck of MLB.com.
“He’s going to strictly get rid of the inflammation and build strength,” Hinch told Beck.
That’s got to be somewhat encouraging for the club’s fans, as Cisnero has had a nice stretch in Detroit. Over the previous three years, he threw 126 2/3 innings of 3.69 ERA ball, with a 24.7% strikeout rate and 10.9% walk rate.
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