Tigers announce roster moves

October 31, 2014

The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has exercised its option for the 2015 season on righthanded pitcher Joakim Soria. The Tigers extended one-year qualifying offers to righthanded pitcher Max Scherzer and designated hitter Victor Martinez. Detroit has outrighted the contracts of righthanded pitcher Evan Reed and infielder/outfielder Don Kelly to Triple A Toledo. Outfielder Andy Dirks was claimed off waivers today by the Toronto Blue Jays, while lefthanded pitcher Patrick McCoy was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, the Tigers today have purchased the contract of outfielder Wynton Bernard from Single A West Michigan.

Soria, 30, appeared in 13 games with the Tigers after being acquired on July 23rd from the Texas Rangers. Between his time with the Rangers and the Tigers, he posted a 2-4 record, 3.25 ERA (44.1IP/16ER) and 48 strikeouts in 48 games in 2014, limiting opponents to a .222 (38x171) batting average. He did not allow a run in nine of his last 10 appearances to finish the season, compiling a 0.96 ERA (9.1IP/1ER) with four hits allowed during the stretch.

Martinez, 35, batted .335 (188x561) with 87 runs scored, 33 doubles, 32 home runs and 103 RBI in 151 games for the Tigers in 2014. He led the American League with one strikeout every 15.26 plate appearances, a .409 on-base percentage and 28 intentional walks, while he was second with a .335 batting average and a .565 slugging percentage. He established career highs in several categories including hits (188), home runs (32), on-base percentage (.409) and slugging percentage (.565).

Scherzer, 30, compiled an 18-5 record, 3.15 ERA (220.1IP/77ER) and 252 strikeouts in 33 games started for the Tigers in 2014. He tied for the American League lead with 18 wins, while he was second with a .783 winning percentage and 10.29 strikeouts per nine innings, and third with 252 strikeouts. He established new single-season career highs with 220.1 innings pitched and 252 strikeouts.

Bernard, 24, batted .323 (164x507) with 91 runs scored, 30 doubles, six triples, six home runs and 47 RBI over 131 games with West Michigan in 2014. He was named the Midwest League Most Valuable Player for 2014, after leading the league in batting average (.323) and hits (164).

Additionally, Detroit today has reinstated the following players from the 60-day disabled list: righthanded pitchers Luke Putkonen (right elbow inflammation, 60-day DL on April 19), Bruce Rondon (right elbow surgery/UCL reconstruction, 60-day DL on March 29) and Drew VerHagen (low back stress fracture, 60-day DL on September 1), and shortstop Jose Iglesias (bilateral tibial stress fractures, 60-day DL on March 29).

Scherzer and Martinez have until November 10th at 5 p.m. ET to accept or decline the qualifying offers. With declined qualifying offers, the Tigers would receive an additional selection at the end of the first round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft should Scherzer or Martinez sign with another major league team.

The Tigers 40-man roster is now at 36.