Detroit Tigers claim outfielder Bligh Madris off waivers from Tampa Bay Rays
The Detroit Tigers continue to attack the waiver wire.
On Friday, the Tigers claimed outfielder Bligh Madris off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Madris, a left-handed hitter with two minor-league options remaining, has played 39 games in his MLB career.
The Tigers have not announced Madris' addition to the organization. The Tigers' 40-man roster is currently full, so they'll need to create room.
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Madris played all 39 of his big-league games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022, hitting .177 with one home run, 10 walks and 31 strikeouts. The 26-year-old received 17 starts in right field, eight starts at first base and four starts in left. He also spent two innings in center.
The Pirates selected Madris in the ninth round (No. 268 overall) of the 2017 draft.
The Rays claimed Madris off waivers from the Pirates in September. Madris spent 81 games in Triple-A with the two organizations and hit .297 with 11 homers, 33 walks and 74 strikeouts.
He was designated for assignment by the Rays on Tuesday to make room for prospects joining their 40-man roster. Tigers assistant general manager Rob Metzler, hired in October, worked for the Rays from 2008-22.
Marc Tompkin of the Tampa Bay Times was the first to report Madris joining the Tigers.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers claim OF Bligh Madris off waivers from Tampa Bay Rays