Tigers clear roster spots so Verlander can make farewell start
The short version
- Detroit optioned Andrew Sears and moved Kerry Carpenter to the 60-day IL on Sept. 26 to activate Justin Verlander.
- Verlander is set to start against Pittsburgh at Comerica Park in his final game before retiring.
- Sears, 24, debuted Aug. 23 and posted a 7.11 ERA over six appearances, with 15 strikeouts and eight walks in 19 innings.
- Sears was technically assigned to Lakeland of the Florida Coast League, a procedural move only.
- Another transaction Sunday will clear space for Jack Flaherty to pitch the regular-season finale.
Detroit optioned rookie Andrew Sears and shifted Kerry Carpenter to the 60-day injured list to activate Justin Verlander for his final career outing.
The Detroit Tigers made a pair of roster moves on Saturday, Sept. 26, clearing the way for Justin Verlander to come off the injured list and make one last appearance in a big-league uniform. The veteran right-hander is scheduled to take the mound at Comerica Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates in what will be the final start of his career before he retires.
To open the necessary spots, the club optioned left-hander Andrew Sears to the minors and transferred outfielder Kerry Carpenter to the 60-day injured list. Verlander will move from the injured list onto the active roster in time for Saturday's outing.
Sears, 24, reached the majors for the first time on Aug. 23. Across six appearances with Detroit, he threw 19 innings, recorded 15 strikeouts and issued eight walks, finishing with a 7.11 ERA.
Manager A.J. Hinch praised the rookie's first look at major-league competition. "I'm really impressed by Andrew Sears and what he has to offer," Hinch said, adding that the pitcher has "a lot to work on this winter" after getting his first taste of the big leagues.
Hinch described a pitcher with genuine upside, citing an energetic delivery, an intense competitive streak and noticeable velocity. The manager noted that Sears needs to sharpen his secondary pitches, but expressed confidence the experience would motivate him heading into an offseason spent trying to earn a roster spot for next year.
The skipper also pointed out how quickly Sears climbed the ladder, going from Double-A to the majors with only brief time at Triple-A. According to Hinch, some of the damage allowed by the rookie reflected the heightened execution required at the sport's highest level rather than any shortage of ability, and he predicted a bright future for the young lefty.
On paper, Sears was assigned to Lakeland in the Florida Coast League, though Hinch explained that this is purely procedural. Because the FCL is the only league currently operating, the assignment exists only on paper, and the pitcher is not actually reporting to the complex.
One more transaction is expected from Detroit on Sunday, when the club will create room for Jack Flaherty to pitch in the regular-season finale.
Fans looking to catch the Tigers can watch Pittsburgh visit Detroit at Comerica Park on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 3:10 PM EDT, with the game available on MLB.TV and Tigers.TV.
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