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Andy Dirks claimed off waivers by Toronto Blue Jays

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The Tigers also announced several other roster moves, including the purchase of Wynton Bernard's contract from Single-A West Michigan.

By Patrick OKennedy and Rob Rogacki
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Neck is no more. The Tigers announced that Andy Dirks was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this afternoon, while left-handed pitcher Pat McCoy was claimed by the Baltimore Orioles. Dirks, a 28 year old outfielder, missed the entire 2014 season due to injury.

Dirks hit .276/.332/.413 in three seasons with the Tigers. He hit 24 home runs and drove in 100 RBI in 1063 plate appearances, and compiled 3.4 WAR. Widely considered to be an above average defender in left field, Dirks was a finalist for a Gold Glove award in 2013. His best offensive season came in 2012 when he hit .322/.370/.487 with 31 extra base hits in 344 plate appearances.

Dirks was originally slated to be a big part of the Tigers' outfield in 2014. However, a minor back injury worsened early in Spring Training, and Dirks had back surgery on March 10th. The team originally estimated that he would miss 12 weeks, but he had multiple setbacks along the way. He did not appear in a game until July 8th, when he made his season debut for the Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers. He only played in six games before returning to the DL. Dirks returned to action in August, but only played in seven more games before the Tigers shut him down for the season due to a hamstring injury.

Despite his injury issues, Dirks was expected to be a contributor for the Tigers in 2015. He was seen by the club as a solid defender who could hit from the left side of the plate and share time with Davis, prior to his injuries during the 2014 season.

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.

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