Detroit Tigers consider Daniel Schlereth for relief role – MLB News
It looks like the Detroit Tigers are looking at Daniel Schlereth to fill the spot of left-handed relief pitcher for the upcoming season. Although nothing has been decided as yet, there is a strong indication that the Tigers will most probably use Schlereth
for relief pitching.
The Tigers also have Brad Thomas as another possibility, but as Spring Training is now starting, the performance of both players will be carefully watched and most likely a decision will then be made.
Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland looks to be favouring the idea of using Schlereth for left-hand relief pitching, although he insists that the position is still open and nothing has really been finalised.
"Another lefty or possibly two would be a big key," the Tigers manager said. "Who that's going to be? I have no idea. That's why we talk about [Daniel] Schlereth a lot. We really like his stuff. How far has he come along, and this is a big spring for him."
Spring Training will allow the Tigers to try out different rotations and pitching line-ups against some of the top tier teams in the League. Only after careful analysis of the players’ performances will such an important decision be made. This is also the
case with the other positions in the team as well.
Both Schlereth and Thomas are tremendous pitchers. Each has the capability of pitching the Tigers out of a tight spot if need be during the regular season. However, it seems that currently the Tigers are favouring Schlereth to take up the position.
As the brilliant Phil Coke has now become a starter for the Tigers, the team president Dave Dombrowski also seems to be taking an interest in putting Schlereth at the left-hand relief role.
Although Leyland has commented earlier that the position is still open and that there is an open competition in the team for the slot. However, it looks more than likely that the Tigers will be looking to Schlereth to fill the position.
Schlereth said, "I didn't know it was a competition. I just figured that it's mine to lose. I proved things last year. Hopefully they have enough confidence in me to go with me to go in there and lock down that role, which I know I'm capable of doing."
The Tigers understand the vital importance that the reliever provides during crucial games. That is why they are looking at all aspects before making their final verdict as to which player takes up the role of reliever for the team. It will be interesting
to see which player is selected as reliever with the regular season not that far away.
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