CLEARWATER, Fla. — When the Detroit Tigers called old friend Ian Krol to offer him a minor-league contract in December, the left-hander — eager to get back to the major leagues for the first time in nearly three years — couldn't help but smile.
The agreement between Krol and general manager Al Avila served as a reunion, considering he pitched for the Tigers in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, but it also signified the next step in his return to the big leagues.
"One of the big things for me is just never give up," Krol said Wednesday, thanking Avila and assistant GM David Chadd for the opportunity.