Detroit Tigers acquire Daniel Schlereth

Completing a minor move that adds some left-handed bullpen depth to the organization, the Detroit Tigers have acquired Daniel Schlereth from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 28 year old has been assigned to the team’s Triple-A Toledo affiliate, according to John Wagner of the Toledo Blade (h/t to MLBTR).

Pittsburgh will reportedly receive cash considerations in return.

Originally a first round selection in the 2008 Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Schlereth made his MLB Debut just a year later but largely failed to impress during his first stint in the Major Leagues. He’d post a 5.89 ERA and 1.636 WHIP over his first 18.1 IP. The following December he was dealt to the Tigers as part of the three team trade that also brought Austin Jackson and Max Scherzer to Detroit.

Schlereth would spend the next three seasons bouncing between the Tigers bullpen and the minor leagues, appearing in 73 total games in the big leagues. He’d pitch a 3.98 ERA and 1.554 WHIP in that stretch, continuing to display high walk rates and having trouble with his command. Detroit would allow him to leave following the 2012 season as a minor league free agent.

2013 was spent with the Baltimore Orioles’ Triple-A Norfolk affiliate, but he’d only throw 11.0 IP on the season due to injury. He signed a minor league deal with the Pirates this past winter. At Triple-A Indianapolis the results were less than encouraging: in 18.2 IP he’s allowed 15 earned runs, 18 hits, walked 18, and struck out 18.

At this point Schlereth likely is little more than organizational depth in the eyes of the Tigers, as he’d have to demonstrate a significant turnaround before the club would likely consider calling him up to the big league roster.