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Dirks would have been eligible for salary arbitration for the second time, after missing the entire season due to back surgery and hamstring issues. He earned $ 1.625 million as a super two free agent for the 2014 season, and would have been in line for a modest raise on that figure next year.
The Tigers also lost left handed reliever Pat McCoy on waivers to the Baltimore Orioles. McCoy made his major league debut for the Tigers in 2014, McCoy made 14 appearances, working 14 innings, with an ERA of 3.86 and an FIP of 4.35. He walked 13 batters and struck out 11, while not allowing a home run.
The Tigers also added right handed hitting Wynton Bernard to the 40 man roster. Bernard hit .323 .394 .442 .836, with a wOBA of .385 at low- A West Michigan. He hit six home runs and stole 45 bases. He likely would have been a minor league free agent if not added to the roster. He was the 1065th overall pick in the 35th round of the 2012 draft out of Niagara college. This move would certainly qualify as "under the radar".
The Tigers also activated players from the 60 day disabled list, including Joel Hanrahan, Drew VerHagen, Jose Iglesias, Luke Putkonen and Bruce Rondon, as required at the end of the season, even though Hanrahan will immediately become a free agent. Each of those moves requires an open spot on the 40 man roster.
The club has also outrighted outfielder Don Kelly and reliever Evan Reed to triple A Toledo. Both players can opt for free agency. Kelly was also eligible for arbitration this off season, after earning a salary of $ 1 million in 2014.