DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have placed right-handed veteran Jordan Zimmermann on the 45-day disabled list with a strained right forearm.
Zimmermann, who is the last year of a five-year contract, still hopes to return by the end of the 2020 season, according to Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire.
“I think he wants to show people that he can still pitch, but he has a path ahead of him trying to do this well,” Gardenhire said.
Zimmermann, 34, was one of the game’s best starting pitchers when he signed a $ 110 million deal before the 2016 season. But with the exception of a dominant first month in 2016, very little has gone well for him. the uniform of the Tigers. He was 1-13 with a 6.91 ERA last season, but the Tigers chose not to release him this winter.
“He cares,” said Gardenhire. “She likes to be in the clubhouse with the boys, she likes to play baseball, she likes to take the ball. But there are many entries in that arm. “
By placing Zimmermann on the 45-day IL (which is the equivalent of last year’s 60-day IL), Zimmermann will be removed from the 40-man roster, perhaps giving the Tigers room to add one of your guests not included in the list.
Gardenhire hinted that Zimmermann would have preferred a trip to the shortest 10-day disabled list, which would have increased the likelihood of his return in 2020. But that would not have opened up a spot on the list that the Tigers urgently need.
“He understands everything we are doing here,” said Gardenhire. “We have had conversations with him. It’s not exactly how he would like it, but he understands the problems we’re having with the short season and putting this list together. “
Gardenhire said it would meet with general manager Al Avila later today to discuss the final decisions on the list, which have been complicated by Zimmermann’s injury.
Michael Fulmer launched live batting practice Saturday at Comerica Park and it felt good. Fulmer and Tyler Alexander could take the bottom two spots in the rotation after Matthew Boyd, Ivan Nova, and Spencer Turnbull, though Fulmer likely has a fairly tight pitch count earlier in the season that could prevent him from spending more than three or four inputs. .
That’s where long relievers like Dario Agrazal, Héctor Santiago or Shao-Ching Chiang could come in. All three are guests not on the list who may be candidates for Zimmermann’s place on the list, providing the Tigers with additional insurance in the bullpen.
Zimmermann may have pitched his last pitch as Tiger, or in the big leagues, but Gardenhire said he still hopes to have some end-of-season opportunities on the mound.
“He needs to do that to see if he wants to continue, and we’ll definitely let him do that,” Gardenhire said.
If Zimmermann returns and does well, it could motivate him to try to find a job with another club in 2021. Retirement might be his only option otherwise.
Teammate Michael Fulmer said he is supporting Zimmermann to have one last hurray as Tiger.
“I hope he takes these 45 days and rehab and everything feels great and he can finish the season with us and be ready for the playoffs,” Fulmer said. “It has been a blessing for this initial rotation, especially the young boys. He has been there every step of the way for me, (Matthew) Boyd and (Daniel) Norris especially. We can’t thank him enough, and hopefully he will rehabilitate all of this and come back and join us as quickly as he can. ”
LIST OF 40 MEN TIGERS (39)
Left-handed pitchers (4): Tyler Alexander, Matthew Boyd, Gregory Soto. Daniel Norris (IL 10 days).
Right handed pitchers (13): Beau Burrows, Anthony Castro, Jose Cisnero, Buck Farmer, Kyle Funkhouser, Bryan Garcia, Rony Garcia, Joe Jimenez, David McKay, Ivan Nova, Franklin Perez, John Schreiber, Spencer Turnbull.
Collectors (4): Grayson Greiner, Eric Haase, Jake Rogers, Austin Romine.
Infielders (10): Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, Harold Castro, Willi Castro, CJ Cron, Niko Goodrum, Dawel Lugo, Jonathan Schoop. Sergio Alcántara, Isaac Paredes.
Gardeners (8): Travis Demeritte, Derek Hill, JaCoby Jones, Cameron Maybin, Victor Reyes, Christin Stewart, Troy Stokes. Daz Cameron (10-day IL).
List of injured 45 days (1): RHP Jordan Zimmermann.
60-day wounded list (1): RHP Michael Fulmer.
Troy Stokes has a broken hand and will likely be placed on the 45-day disabled list, removing him from the 40-man list, before the start of the season. Fulmer is likely to be activated before the start of the season.
Alex Faedo and Tarik Skubal are on the 10-day disabled list, but not on the 40-man list.
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