The Detroit Tigers continue the roster shuffle.
With all the moves at the trade deadline, the question became who the Detroit Tigers would call up from Toledo in an effort to shore up the bullpen. The answer was right-hander Brenan Hanifee and left-hander Sean Guenther as their contracts were purchased on Thursday. The Tigers also acquired RHP Troy Watson from the Blue Jays for cash considerations and has been assigned to Toledo.
Both Hanifee and Guenther have seen time at the major league level. Hanifee had a brief stint with the Tigers last season, pitching in three games. This season in Toledo, he is 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA. However, his FIP (fielding independent pitching) is 3.86, which more accurately reflects his performance. He has averaged 10 strikeouts per nine innings, totaling 53 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched.
Hanifee’s advanced metrics show a fastball max velocity of 97 mph, though the stadium gun in Toledo has clocked him at 99 mph. According to Baseball Savant, his sinker generates ground balls, and his cutter has a 37% whiff rate. His slider also has a 32.8% whiff rate, which has helped him keep hitters off balance this season.
Guenther, who pitched with the Marlins in 2021, missed the entire 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Tigers claimed him in November of that year, and he has since pitched at Lakeland, Erie, and Toledo. Guenther primarily throws a sinker, changeup, and slider. His sinker reaches the mid-90s, but his changeup is his best pitch for generating swings and misses, with a 44.9% whiff rate. Both pitchers have options to be sent back, but given the current state of the pitching depth, they could be with the team, barring an injury.
With the reinstatement of Jaiver Baez and now Hanifee and Guenther to Detroit, they replace the open rosters left by Jack Flaherty, Andrew Chafin and Mark Canha.
TMLR Notes
Thayron Liranzo, the catcher who came over with shortstop Trey Sweeney in the Flaherty deal, will make his Whitecaps debut Thursday night in Fort Wayne. Chris Brown had a few thoughts after watching Liranzo on video:
The raw power is absolutely legit. Pretty good bat speed and a ton of strength, from both sides. Doesn’t really expand the zone, and should take a good number of walks, but there’s gonna be a fair amount of in-zone miss…particularly on off speed right now. And he seems to get fooled by spin on occasion.
Receiving is pretty rough. Not sure if it’s gonna work, but time will tell there. Only one throw, but arm looked at least average. Seemed like a quick transfer and release.
Overall, you’re probably looking at a primary 1B who can maybe catch 30–45 times a year. Low average, plus power and on-base.
Erie loses the battle of the sea
The SeaWolves lost in walk-off fashion for the second time in three days, losing to the Portland Sea Dogs 6-5 in 10 innings.
Jobe went 4 innings, giving up three runs over five hits, and struck out three and gave up four walks. Trei Cruz went 3-for-5 on the day for Erie.
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Chris Brown