This afternoon the Detroit Tigers announced their first wave of cuts. Normally cut isn't the right word for it. Mostly it's players being assigned to the minor leagues. Today, that is mostly the case. However, Detroit announced the release of right-handed reliever David Pauley, who was acquired from Seattle as part of the trade that brought Doug Fister to Detroit and sent Casper Wells and Charlie Furbush, Francisco Martinez and Chance Ruffin to Seattle.
The Tigers announced on Twitter:
- Tigers sent C Rob Brantly, C Curt Casali, C Patrick Leyland, C James McCann, 3B Nick Castellanos and OF Justin Henry to minor league camp. (link)
- OF Avisail Garcia will be optioned to Double A Erie on Thursday. IF Hernan Perez will be optioned to Single A Lakeland on Thursday. (link)
- DH Victor Martinez has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list. (link)
Pauley had a chance to make the team, but he struggled mightily in his appearances last week. The 28-year-old had a 2.14 ERA and 0.99 WHIP during 54.1 innings with Seattle last season, but failed to continue his success in Detroit and seemed to be forgotten completely at times.