Watch CBS News

Tigers Sign RHP Michael Pineda

Pitcher Michael Pineda and the Detroit Tigers reached a one-year deal Saturday, the latest move by a team that's been active before and after the 99-day lockout.

Minnesota Twins v Houston Astros
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 07: Michael Pineda #35 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on August 07, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Pineda was 9-8 with a 3.62 ERA for Minnesota last season. The 33-year-old right-hander went 5-0 with a 1.85 ERA in his final five games, leading the majors in wins during September.

The Tigers were 77-85 last season under new manager A.J. Hinch and played over .500 after May 7. It was a big improvement after four straight years with winning percentages under .400.

Once the season ended, the Tigers got busy.

Before the Major League Baseball lockout began, Detroit signed a pair of coveted free agents, star shortstop Javier Báez and lefty starter Eduardo Rodríguez, to long-term contracts and traded for catcher Tucker Barnhart from Cincinnati.

Earlier this week, with spring camps open after a labor deal between players and owners, lefty Andrew Chafin and the Tigers finalized a $13 million, two-year contract, giving Detroit one of the top free-agent relievers. The 31-year-old had a combined 1.83 ERA with five saves in 71 games for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics.

Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Andrew Chafin #39 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum on September 23, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pineda is 62-54 with a 3.98 ERA in eight seasons with Seattle, the New York Yankees, and the Twins. He was an AL All-Star as a rookie in 2011 with the Mariners.

Pineda is known for his good control and last year threw 69% of his pitches for strikes, the fourth-best rate in the majors among those with at least 100 innings.

The Tigers' rotation is expected to include a mix of Pineda, Rodriguez, Casey Mize, Matt Manning, and left-handers Tarik Skuba and Tyler Alexander

© 2022 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.