The Detroit Tigers designated veteran right-hander Alex Faedo for assignment in the wake of the Tommy Kahnle signing last week. On Monday, they found a trade partner for him, sending the 29-year-old to Tampa Bay for catcher Enderson Delgado and cash considerations. The Tigers haven’t officially signed Jack Flaherty yet, but they’ll need to open a 40-man spot for him soon as well.
The trouble with Faedo was options, or the lack of them. Without the ability to send him to the minors as needed, the Tigers’ bullpen lacked flexibility. That wouldn’t be a problem if Faedo was a key piece of the bullpen, but instead he’s just floated between spot starts, long relief, and some mop-up work in his three years in the major leagues.