DETROIT -- Kyle Lobstein went into the offseason as one of the Tigers' insurance starters in case of injury, a role he has filled capably the past couple of seasons. Instead, the lanky left-hander will go into Spring Training as a Pittsburgh Pirate, traded by Detroit on Monday for cash considerations.
The Tigers designated Lobstein's contract for assignment Friday night to make room for Mike Aviles on the 40-man roster. Detroit had 10 days to either trade, release or outright Lobstein to the Minor Leagues. An outright assignment would've hinged on Lobstein clearing waivers.