Detroit Tigers sign Miguel Díaz to minor-league deal after cutting him in spring training
Remember the Detroit Tigers' bullpen competition in spring training, when four relievers were competing for two spots into the final day of camp?
The Tigers picked Joey Wentz and Alex Faedo for their Opening Day roster. As a result, Beau Brieske was optioned to Triple-A Toledo and Miguel Díaz was designated for assignment.
Díaz, a right-handed reliever, signed a minor-league contract Sunday with the Tigers, joining the organization for the third season in a row. The 29-year-old has pitched in parts of seven MLB seasons throughout his career, including a combined 17⅔ innings for the Tigers in 2022 and 2023.
In 2024, Díaz is expected to report to Triple-A Toledo.
After the spring training cuts, the Houston Astros claimed Díaz off waivers from the Tigers. He pitched one inning in one game for the Astros before clearing waivers and opting to stick with the Astros in Triple-A Sugar Land.
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But Díaz struggled in Triple-A Sugar Land, posting an ugly 9.64 ERA with five walks and 10 strikeouts across 14 innings in 13 relief appearances.
The Astros released him May 27, and less than two weeks later, the Tigers signed him to a minor-league contract. He logged a 4.29 EA in 65 innings in 2022 and a 5.05 ERA in 57 innings in 2023, both with Triple-A Toledo in the Tigers' organization.
Díaz has a 4.81 ERA in his 88-game MLB career, spanning 127⅓ innings. He is known for his above-average changeup that generates whiffs.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers sign Miguel Díaz to minor-league deal after cutting him
