Wily Peralta may join Detroit Tigers this week; Andrew Chafin trending in right direction

Detroit Free Press

Right-hander Wily Peralta could join the Detroit Tigers‘ bullpen this week.

Peralta pitched two scoreless innings Saturday for Low-A Lakeland, throwing 12 of 19 pitches for strikes against the Tampa Tarpons. He struck out two and gave up one hit without conceding a walk.

The 32-year-old, signed to a minor-league contract, didn’t report to spring training in Lakeland, Florida, until April 3 due to the work visa process, so he didn’t break camp with the Tigers.

For his next test, Peralta will pitch Tuesday for Triple-A Toledo.

SHAWN WINDSOR: Tigers’ Opening Day rally shows they could be headed for a summer of fun

MIZE’S FIRST START: What Tigers starter Casey Mize noticed about rocky start vs. White Sox

“We’ll probably have a couple outings there where he pitches a day, maybe a day off and pitch again like a reliever,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Sunday, “and then we’ll consider whether or not he’s available in Kansas City.”

The Tigers play a four-game series against the Royals from Thursday through Sunday at Kauffman Stadium. If Peralta isn’t ready to join by then, the Tigers will likely activate him after the April 18 off day.

“He needs to get a couple outings under his belt,” Hinch said, “but we’d like him on our team as soon as he’s ready.”

FULMER’S VELO: Michael Fulmer finds velocity after concerning spring: Worries ‘gone now’

‘Still in Lakeland’

Left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin tossed a light bullpen Sunday in Lakeland. He is recovering from a left groin strain that has him on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 4) to start the season.

“It’s the best his arm has felt and his body has felt the entire spring, even when his leg wasn’t injured,” Hinch said. “It’s trending in the right direction. Still in Lakeland.”

The Tigers signed Chafin on March 17 to a two-year, $13 million contract. The 31-year-old pitched two spring training games but was scratched from his third scheduled outing.

Chafin posted a 1.83 ERA in 71 relief appearances last season.

Hinch did not have an update on right-handed reliever Kyle Funkhouser, on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. He isn’t expected to join the team until May.

SAFE AT FIRST: Torkelson comfortable in MLB debut: ‘I wasn’t expecting the roar’

MORE ON TORK: Torkelson’s life-changing day with Tigers: ‘All three of us were crying’

‘Want to make sure he’s ready’

Right-handed starter Michael Pineda will start Tuesday for Toledo against the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines. The Tigers expect him to complete at least four innings.

The 33-year-old fired 33 pitches for three scoreless innings in Thursday’s start with the Mud Hens. After he finishes his Tuesday outing, he could join the Tigers’ rotation.

Pineda would be lined up to start April 17 against the Royals.

“Some of that has to do with him, the makeup of our pitching staff, the weather,” Hinch said. “If we get one bad weather day between now and then and it pushes all the starters back, that would definitely push Pineda until past the off day.

JEFF SEIDEL: Opening Day was perfect: An amazing comeback following a touching tribute

“There’s some consideration to whether he’s ready or not after he gets to the three or four inning stint. He did three innings last time. We’ll try to get to four or five this time. We just want to make sure he’s ready to compete at this level when he gets here.”

The Tigers signed Pineda on March 19 to a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzoldRead more on the Detroit Tigers and sign up for our Tigers newsletter.

Articles You May Like

The Toledo Mud Hens should be a force in the International League this season
Casey Mize, Reese Olson Win Rotation Spots With Tigers; Matt Manning Optioned To Triple-A
ALL MLB Opening Day walk-offs in the last 20 years!!
2024 Player Preview: Parker Meadows looks ready to seize the leadoff spot
Jace Jung promoted to Triple-A as Mud Hens announce 2024 starting roster

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *