Tigers option LHP Ryan Carpenter, assign 3 others to minors

The Detroit Tigers optioned lefthander Ryan Carpenter to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday morning. They also assigned three players — infielders Harold Castro and Pete Kozma, and catcher Hector Sanchez — to minor league camp.

Carpenter, a 28-year-old the Tigers acquired last winter, threw 22 ¹⁄₃ innings in Detroit last season. He allowed a 7.25 ERA, but still managed an impressive 3.75 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his major league appearances. His minor league stats were a bit better, with a 5.07 ERA at Triple-A Toledo, along with the same solid peripherals that made him an attractive minor league free agent target a year ago.

None of the four moves are surprising. Castro and Kozma are better used as minor league depth at this point, and will likely move between Double- and Triple-A throughout the year. The 25-year-old Castro made his major league debut last season, and went 3-for-10 in limited action. He struggled offensively in the minors last year, though, and was designated for assignment during the offseason.

The Tigers now have 32 players remaining in major league camp, according to MLive’s Evan Woodberry (non-roster invitees are in italics).

Starting pitchers (7): Matthew Boyd, Michael Fulmer, Matt Moore, Daniel Norris, Tyson Ross, Spencer Turnbull, Jordan Zimmermann

Relief pitchers (9): Victor Alcantara, Buck Farmer, Reed Garrett, Shane Greene, Blaine Hardy, Joe Jimenez, Daniel Stumpf, Drew VerHagen, Jose Cisnero

Catchers (4): Grayson Greiner, John Hicks, Bobby Wilson, Cameron Rupp

Infielders (8): Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, Brandon Dixon, Niko Goodrum, Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer, Ronny Rodriguez, Gordon Beckham

Outfielders (4): Nicholas Castellanos, JaCoby Jones, Mikie Mahtook, Christin Stewart