Tigers’ latest round of cuts sends Blaine Hardy to Toledo, 6 players to minors camp

With spring training winding down, the Detroit Tigers announced their latest round of cuts on Wednesday morning. Blaine Hardy was sent to Triple-A Toledo, and six players were assigned to minors camp.

With 29 players left in camp, the team has four players left to cut, or three assuming J.D. Martinez starts the season on the disabled list as he recovers from a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot. With the remaining options, Shane Greene and Kyle Ryan are the two most likely to go to the bullpen.

Given that Bruce Rondon, who made the team, has struggled this spring, their additions provide some measure of relief. Despite remaining with Detroit, manager Brad Ausmus expressed concerns regarding Rondon’s decreased fastball velocity as recently as Tuesday.

While Daniel Stumpf has yet to be formally cut from the list, there was word that he was informed on Tuesday that he wouldn’t make the team. Stumpf, a left-handed pitcher, was a Rule 5 draft acquisition from the Royals during the offseason. Any Rule 5 pick who doesn’t make the team’s Opening Day roster and remain on the 25-man list has to be offered the option to return to their former team.

Players assigned to camp: right-handed reliever Angel Nesbitt, catcher Miguel Gonzalez, utility player Omar Infante, utility player Efren Navarro, infielder Brendan Ryan, and outfielder Alex Presley

The outfield debate now comes down to Tyler Collins, JaCoby Jones, and Steven Moya, however, Moya is most likely the odd man out. Both he and Collins are out of options, but Collins has the more consistent bat and his defense trumps Moya’s. Expect Collins to remain in Detroit over Moya, barring some creative roster moves or bizarre events.

Jones’ spot is all but guaranteed at this point, and it’s more of a platoon balance than anything else for whomever makes the cut. With Martinez possibly out to start the season, Andrew Romine is also a strong option for regular playing time in the outfield.

The last cut will likely be right-handed pitcher Mike Pelfrey, who has been a train wreck this spring. In seven games, he has given up 12 runs on 18 hits and struck out only eight batters across 14 ²⁄₃ innings pitched. The Tigers are actively looking for a trading partner to unload his contract — even if it means eating his entire $8 million salary — but thus far haven’t had success.