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Detroit Tigers Clips

Friday, February 19, 2016

Detroit Free Press

Seidel: Healthy JV, leaner Castellanos give Tigers fresh look (Seidel)

Tigers ace Justin Verlander 'ready to step on the gas' (Fenech)

Tigers sign ex-Mets reliever Bobby Parnell (Fenech)

Tigers' Aviles has good news: Daughter is cancer-free (Fenech)

Tigers are back! Pitchers, catchers report to Lakeland (Fenech)

The Detroit News

Tigers' Verlander ready to reclaim ace status (McCosky)

Source: Tigers sign former Mets reliever Bobby Parnell (Henning)

Visa snag delays Francisco Rodriguez's arrival with Tigers (McCosky)

Tigers' Aviles says 5-year-old daughter is cancer free (McCosky)

MLive.com

As Detroit Tigers fans enjoy turning point on calendar, players prepare to get to work (Iott)

Detroit Tigers notes: Francisco Rodriguez delayed by visa issue; Bruce Rondon reports to camp (Iott)

MLB.com

For Tigers, report date reason to celebrate (Beck)

Aviles' daughter cancer-free after transplant (Beck)

Tigers add Parnell to bullpen competition (Beck)

Vizquel named Venezuela's Classic manager (Beck)

FOXSportsDetroit.com

Mike Aviles shares the great news that daughter Adriana is cancer-free (Bahr)

ESPN.com

Veteran Justin Verlander 'feels great' heading into 2016 (Strang)

Tigers bolster bullpen depth, add reliever Bobby Parnell (Strang)

Adriana Aviles cancer-free, her father Mike Aviles says (Strang)

Daily Transactions

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Seidel: Healthy JV, leaner Castellanos give Tigers fresh look February 19, 2016

By Jeff Seidel/ Detroit Free Press

LAKELAND, Fla. – Everything felt fresh and different as pitchers and catchers reported to Tiger Town on

Thursday morning.

Construction workers were busy beyond the rightfield fence, erecting a new clubhouse and office building,

which created a strange juxtaposition of sounds.

You could hear typical baseball sounds — bats smashing into balls — coming from the new indoor batting cage

that still has that new-carpet smell.

And then, you could hear typical sounds coming from the construction site: constant beeping and pounding and

grinding.

Tiger Town is undergoing a face-lift.

Just like this pitching staff.

Everywhere you turned, there seemed to be somebody new, in part because so many pitchers have come and

gone in recent years. Doug Fister, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, David Price, Drew Smyly, Alfredo Simon and

more relievers than I can even remember — they are all gone.

It seems as if the entire pitching staff has turned over in the past few years.

But Justin Verlander is still here, the longest-tenured Tiger.

“A lot of new faces, but I really like the acquisitions,” Verlander said. “You gotta applaud Mr. (general manager

Al) Avila and Mr. (owner Mike) Ilitch for what they were able to accomplish. We had a lot of holes that needed

to be filled. I think we did a great job, not just filling those holes, but implementing great ballplayers in those

roles. ... On paper, I’m really pleased with this team.”

A bull in the ’pen

Under a perfect blue sky, Verlander threw a bullpen session Thursday morning as scores of coaches, reporters

and a few players came to watch. The ball was coming out nice and easy and, more importantly, with no pain.

“That a boy!” catcher James McCann said.

A year ago, Alex Avila would have been behind the dish, catching Verlander’s bullpen session.

But Avila is gone, and this is McCann’s pitching staff now right from the start.

“I think he’s gotten better as a catcher, but more important, I think he feels he belongs, which is a big step for a

young player,” Verlander said.

David Chadd, entering his first spring training as assistant general manager, stood to the side, watching intently.

Rich Dubee, the new pitching coach, leaned against a trash can, watching Verlander. He is taking over for Jeff

Jones.

“It’s going to be different,” Verlander said. “I think what he’s doing right now is sitting back, watching and

assessing, and I think we’ll talk later on.”

After 50 pitches, Verlander pronounced he was feeling great. Better than he has felt in years. And that is

certainly new and different, a noteworthy development.

Verlander’s health is one of the keys for the Tigers.

He shook hands with McCann and bumped fists with manager Brad Ausmus.

“Right now, it feels the best I can remember in a long time,” Verlander said. “I can throw every day. I’ve been

long-tossing a lot, something I couldn’t do the last few years.”

Lean and mean

As Verlander pitched, some position players were taking grounders on a new infield cut into the grass.

Which brings us to third baseman Nick Castellanos.

Maybe it’s because he is clean shaven. Maybe it’s just because he’s a year older. But he just looks different.

“I’ve been hearing that from everybody,” Castellanos said.

Last year, Castellanos bulked up, gaining 15 pounds of muscle before spring training. But that slowed him

down, which only amplified his biggest weakness — his lack of quickness.

This year, he is leaner and looks more athletic, even though he still looks strong.

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“He’s moving really good,” first-base coach Omar Vizquel said. “It’s too early to tell. But on the first look, it’s

really good. He changed his body shape. It’s not all big and muscle on top. It’s more even through his body.

“This year, I think he will be an average or above-average third baseman. I really believe that. The way he

works out, his work habits have improved a lot during the last couple of years.”

Vizquel stopped talking, and you could hear the construction crew again, busy at work.

New buildings. New players. A new front office. And old players searching for a new beginning.

It was all so fresh and different.

Everywhere you turned.

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Tigers ace Justin Verlander 'ready to step on the gas' February 19, 2016

By Anthony Fenech/ Detroit Free Press

LAKELAND, Fla. – He was back on the mound at Tiger Town, like he was ten years ago as a rookie. He was

throwing hard. It felt like it used to feel.

It was, Justin Verlander said, normal.

“Normal hasn’t really been the status quo here the last few years,” he said. “But I feel great. It’s a lot of fun

being able to go through my normal routine, long toss when I want, get off the mound when I need to, without

any issues.”

The Tigers’ ace right-hander threw his fourth bullpen session on the first official day of spring training –

pitchers and catchers reported this morning – and reported no issues after his 50-pitch bullpen session, only

optimism that the pitcher he was in the second half of last season is the pitcher he will be this season.

“I’m definitely excited, I can tell you that,” Verlander said. “Feeling like I pitched well last year, I think went a

long way for everybody about being excited for this upcoming season, so it’s even better right now than it was

last spring training. I’m ready to step on the gas. I’m ready to go.”

Last spring training, Verlander was still feeling the after-effects of the core muscle surgery he had the off-

season before. He long-tossed one day, felt sore the next.

This spring training, the veteran is long-tossing when he wants to.

“I’ve always been a thrower,” he said. “I like to throw. I like to get the ball in my hand and just feel it and let it

go if I feel good.”

And Verlander’s body – he turns 33 on Saturday – feels good.

“It’s one of those things that I just let my body tell me what I’m capable of doing,” he said. “The biggest

difference between now and the past is I’m able to do pretty much whatever I want.”

He was healthy last spring training, but started the season on the disabled list for the first time in his career with

a right triceps strain. He struggled when he returned, but righted the ship in the second half with a 2.80 ERA.

Now, he once again carries the expectations of anchoring the Tigers’ rotation back to the postseason.

“I don’t want to say it was night and day from last year,” Verlander said. “Spring training last year, I felt pretty

good but, right now, it feels the best I can remember in a long time.”

He has a new pitching coach in Rich Dubee and a new primary battery mate in sophomore James McCann.

“I don’t think I’m the old guy,” Verlander said.

But on the first day of the new season, Verlander looked like his old self, with sharp sliders and firm fastballs

off the mound, intent on ignoring any curveballs Father Time throws his way.

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Tigers sign ex-Mets reliever Bobby Parnell February 19, 2016

By Anthony Fenech/ Detroit Free Press

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Add another arm into the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen mix.

The team’s pitchers and catchers reported to spring training this morning at Tiger Town and, sometime today,

so too will veteran right-handed reliever Bobby Parnell.

Parnell, 31, has signed a minor league deal with the team, according to a person with knowledge of the

situation. The deal includes an invitation to major league camp.

Parnell has a 3.78 career ERA in eight seasons with the New York Mets. He struggled in 2015, his first after

undergoing elbow ligament reconstruction surgery, but he represents a bounceback candidate for first-year

general manager Al Avila’s bullpen remodeling.

From 2010-13, Parnell compiled a 2.79 ERA with 202 strikeouts in 213 innings. He saved 22 games in 2012.

The Tigers have been trying to add more relief depth as of late but haven't had a major league contract to offer.

Parnell will join the likes of righties Michael Fulmer, Drew VerHagen, Shane Greene and Buck Farmer and

lefties Matt Boyd and Kyle Ryan in a competition for the two open bullpen spots.

VerHagen is thought to have a leg up on the competition, given his second-half performance last season. But the

final spot could go to Parnell if he regains his old form this spring.

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Tigers' Aviles has good news: Daughter is cancer-free February 19, 2016

By Anthony Fenech/ Detroit Free Press

LAKELAND, Fla. – The best news of spring training came on the first day.

New Detroit Tigers’ utilityman Mike Aviles delivered it with a big smile on his face this morning on a backfield

at Tiger Town.

Aviles’ daughter Adriana, 5, who was diagnosed with children’s leukemia last May, is cancer-free. She received

a bone marrow transplant in December, is still recovering and will join Aviles in Lakeland in a couple weeks,

when she is cleared to fly.

“She’s doing well,” Aviles said. “Everybody’s doing good.”

Aviles reported to spring training with mostly all the pitchers and catchers this morning, hitting with third

baseman Nick Castellanos in the batting cages, taking groundballs with him in the field and speaking for the

first time as a Tiger afterwards.

“This team is built to win a championship,” Aviles said. “And I know that’s my main focus, that was my focus

in the off-season, I’m pretty sure that’s going to be the focus throughout the clubhouse is win ballgames, get to

the playoffs, win a championship.”

Aviles, 34, is a lifetime .265 hitter in eight seasons. He will serve as one of the team’s two utilitymen with

Andrew Romine, playing second base, third base, shortstop and leftfield.

“It actually has gotten to the point where it’s kind of normal for me,” he said. “You’ll get to know me

throughout the year and I’m pretty scatterbrained, so me playing all these positions kind of helps me out. It kind

of brings everything in focus.”

The Tigers signed Aviles for his versatility on the field and veteran presence inside the clubhouse. In the

previous three seasons, he played with the American League Central rival Cleveland Indians. From 2008-11, he

played with the Kansas City Royals.

“That’s going to be fun,” he said about switching sides. “The fun part is going to be not to have to worry about

when Miggy’s going to hit a homer or do something that’s going to ruin the game for the other side, because

I’ve been on the other side numerous times the last bunch of years. It will be fun to be on the same side and

actually cheering for the Tigers this year.”

On his way: The only Tigers pitcher yet to report to spring training is right-handed closer Francisco Rodriguez,

who is still in the process of obtaining his work visa from native Venezuela. The team expects Rodriguez to get

that resolved in the next few days and could be in Lakeland as soon as this weekend.

Here and there: Righty reliever Bruce Rondon, who was dismissed from the team for “effort-level” issues late in

September, reported today. Rondon had a disappointing 2015 season, which started on the shelf with an injury

and concluded off the team. He posted a 5.81 ERA in 35 appearances. He is expected to meet with the media on

Friday. … Tigers first base coach Omar Vizquel has been selected to manage Team Venezuela in the 2017

World Baseball Classic. Vizquel, 48, is considered a future major league manager by many. He is in his third

year with the team.

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Tigers are back! Pitchers, catchers report to Lakeland February 19, 2016

By Anthony Fenech/ Detroit Free Press

LAKELAND, Fla. -- It’s the same as a manager as it was as a player as it was as a little boy.

When Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus was growing up in cold Connecticut and needed some hope that

relief was on the way, he would look toward spring training.

“I always liked spring trainings, before I played, even as a kid,” he said. “I used to love spring training because

it meant spring was near. Forget Groundhog Day, it was the start of spring training.”

And this morning in Tiger Town, spring training finally is here.

One hundred thirty-seven days after the 2015 Tigers finished in last place, their remodeled group gets things

under way with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training. Formal workouts begin tomorrow. Position

players report Sunday.

It’s like Christmas, left-handed starting pitcher Daniel Norris said recently. Righty reliever Drew VerHagen has

been waiting for it since the New Year.

Many of the Tigers’ pitchers and catchers have been working out on the back fields throughout the week,

throwing bullpen sessions and stretching out their arms, but today is expected to mark the arrival of newcomers

such as closer Francisco Rodriguez and lefty reliever Justin Wilson and the return of righty Bruce Rondon.

Rodriguez and Wilson were acquired in trades this off-season and make up two-thirds of the team’s remodeled

back end of the bullpen.

Rodriguez, 34, is a six-time All-Star with 386 career saves. In 2015, he posted a 2.21 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with

the Milwaukee Brewers. He wasn't in camp today because of visa issues, which the Tigers expect to be resolved

in the coming days. Wilson, 28, has a 3.03 ERA with nearly a strikeout per inning in three major league

seasons.

Rondon will return to the team for the first time since he was dismissed for “effort-level issues” late in

September. That effectively closed the door on any chance he had to head into 2016 with the closer’s job, for

which the Tigers long have groomed him.

Rondon was erratic in 2015. He was injured, showed flashes of brilliance but mostly was a disappointment. He

was, in many ways, a microcosm of last year’s team, which since has been remodeled by first-year general

manager Al Avila.

Today, with baseball officially back, we will begin to see how both Rondon and the Tigers have changed.

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Tigers' Verlander ready to reclaim ace status February 19, 2016

By Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Lakeland, Fla. — Can it possibly be 10 years since Justin Verlander’s first big league spring training with the

Tigers?

“No,” he said with a grin Thursday. “I was trying to make the team my first year (2005), too, so it’s actually

more than 10. Time flies.”

He’s now the longest tenured Tiger, the last man standing from the 2006 World Series team. Time flies, indeed.

“It’s funny looking back,” he said. “Some of the guys I played with, just going back a few years, that 2006 team

— I’ve been the only one standing for a few years now. It’s crazy to think that. You go back through some of

the names — I played against (Brad) Ausmus. Craig (Monroe) is in TV now. Weird to think of that.”

You can call him the longest tenured Tiger, but don’t call him the elder statesman. He’ll fight you on that.

“I don’t think I’m the old guy,” said Verlander, who turns 33 on Saturday. “A couple of years ago I probably

would’ve thought, ‘Yeah, my body is starting to age on me.’ Everybody says at 30 things change and I think

maybe that got in my mind a little.

“But it ended up not being that at all, just something out of my control (injuries). I feel great now.”

To see Verlander putting in his work this past week, finally healthy for a full offseason without needing surgical

rehab, it could be 2010 or 2011. He threw his fourth bullpen of the spring (50 pitches) on Thursday and spring

workouts don’t officially begin until Friday.

“It feels like it used to feel,” he said. “Normal hasn’t really been the status quo the last few years. But I feel

great. It’s a lot of fun being able to do my normal routine, to be able to do long toss whenever I want, work off

the mound when I need to without any issues.”

Still, he’s being smart. Because the Tigers were long out of playoff contention, he took advantage of October

and half of November to rest his body.

“Obviously, you’d like to go to the playoffs every year,” he said. “I hope we can go on another run where we

are going to the playoffs on a string of years in a row. But that takes a toll on you, so I need to take the time

when I have it to be able to recover.”

He’s looked fresh, and strong, this week. He threw a 50-pitch bullpen on Tuesday. Did long toss on Wednesday

and threw another 50-pitch bullpen Thursday. It appeared he was throwing all his pitches – he said he hasn’t

added a split-fingered pitch yet — and there was plenty of zip on the fastball.

“I don’t want to say it’s night and day from last year, because I remember telling you guys I felt pretty good last

year, too — I just ran into an injury at the end of the spring,” Verlander said. “But right now it feels the best I

can remember in a long time. I’m throwing every day. I am long-tossing a lot, which I couldn’t do last year. I

don’t even feel like I am pushing it right now. It just feels good.”

He’s also breaking in his third pitching coach in 10 years. Rich Dubee, who replaced the retired Jeff Jones,

stood behind Verlander during the last two bullpens — saying little but observing it all.

“I’ve always been someone who can talk with guys and try different things,” Verlander said. “If it works, great.

If it doesn’t then move on. That’s what you need to do when you bring in somebody new because he’s going to

have his own ideas and things.”

Verlander said Dubee hasn’t yet talked much about his philosophies on pitching, but he’s eager to hear them.

“They can work for you as long as you aren’t closed-minded, which I am not,” he said. “I am willing to listen

and try anything. You also have to understand whether it works for you or not and you have to realize that in a

hurry.”

Back in 2006, Verlander would stay back and watch veteran Kenny Rogers throw his bullpens. On Thursday,

several young Tigers pitchers stayed and watched Verlander's session.

“Like watching a clinic,” Shane Greene said as he walked by.

This is who Verlander is now — the sage veteran.

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“I don’t think of it as being a veteran mentor or whatever,” he said. “I just think, I have some knowledge having

pitched in this game for 10 years. If anyone wants to talk to me or pick my brain about anything, I’m an open

book.”

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Come April 5, barring injury or other unforeseen malady,

Verlander will be back where he was from 2008 through 2014 – the ace of the staff making the Opening Day

start against the Marlins in Miami.

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Source: Tigers sign former Mets reliever Bobby Parnell February 19, 2016

By Lynn Henning/ The Detroit News

Lakeland, Fla. — A one-time Mets reliever whose 100-mph fastball became a trademark, as well as a torment

for many big-league batters, has joined the Tigers, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed.

Bobby Parnell, 31, signed a minor-league free-agent deal Thursday, which includes an invitation to big-league

camp, and was to be at Lakeland Thursday following eight seasons with the Mets.

Parnell had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in the spring of 2014 and has been in slow, but steady,

recovery that intrigued the Tigers as they attempt to further buoy their bullpen.

In taking a chance on Parnell, the Tigers are investing in a pitcher who had three standout seasons (2010, 2012,

2013) with the Mets when he had sub-.3.00 ERAs. In those seasons, which spanned 153⅔ innings, Parnell

struck out 138 batters.

Parnell was an infielder growing up in North Carolina but, because of his power arm, he became a pitcher in

college at Charleston Southern University. His control was not a match for his searing fastballs, but the Mets

made him a ninth-round pick in 2005.

Once in the minors, with coaches gradually shaping a young man with a blowtorch for a right arm, Parnell took

off. He reached the big leagues in 2008. During an Aug. 18, 2010, game against the Astros, Parnell threw a

fastball at 102.5 mph, then the fastest-recorded pitch in a 2010 big-league game.

The mark lasted only a few days before Cincinnati rookie Aroldis Chapman hit 103.9 mph.

In a June 29, 2011, relief appearance against the Tigers, Parnell challenged superstar Miguel Cabrera with seven

consecutive fastballs that exceeded 100 mph.

Parnell’s days with the Mets began dwindling in 2014 when he blew an Opening Day save. The next day,

doctors discovered Parnell had torn his ulnar collateral ligament. He soon had Tommy John surgery and missed

the remainder of the 2014 season.

He returned to the Mets in 2015 and pitched in 30 games. But his recovery had been sluggish and Parnell had a

rugged season. Parnell had a 6.38 ERA and 1.96 WHIP.

The Tigers, however, believe many Tommy John recoveries require closer to two years. And in a bid to add

more relief depth, they had been trying earnestly in recent weeks to sign Parnell.

While he relies mightily on his four-seam fastball, Parnell also throws a knuckle-curve. He has experimented

with a split-finger pitch, but for now sticks with the fastball that led to a long stint with the Mets, and with a

second breaking pitch.

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Tigers' Aviles says 5-year-old daughter is cancer free February 19, 2016

By Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Lakeland, Fla. — Nick Castellanos, holding out a cell phone recorder, was standing in back of a group of

reporters talking to new Tigers utility man Mike Aviles Thursday.

Reporter: Are you looking forward to beating out Nick Castellanos at third base this spring?

Aviles: "I can’t wait. I went in and asked the skipper for a chance. Just give me a chance and we’ll see how

things play out. (Pause) Oh, hey Nick.”

Aviles was all smiles Thursday, his first day working out with his new teammates. That in itself is not unusual.

The day Mike Aviles doesn’t wear a smile at the ballpark may be the day he calls it quits.

But his heart is a whole lot lighter these days.

His 5-year-old daughter Adriana, he announced, is cancer free.

“Everything is going well with her,” he said. “She had a bone marrow transplant in December and she’s been

recovering. She will be out here in a couple of weeks.”

Adriana was diagnosed with leukemia last May, when she was 4.

“She was diagnosed when they (his wife and four children) came to visit,” said Aviles, who was playing for the

Indians. “They were only going to stay for a few days and wound up being stuck in Cleveland the whole year.”

The city of Cleveland rallied around the Aviles family. Adriana threw out the first pitch of a game, Aviles’

teammates shaved their heads in support, owner Paul Dolan allowed Aviles to shave his head personally and the

players posed for a team picture wearing “Team Adriana” T-shirts.

While Adriana was being treated at the Cleveland Clinic, rumors began to swirl about the possibility of Aviles

being dealt at the trade deadline.

“The deadline was a tough situation,” he said. “I didn’t want to get traded. It turned out the Indians didn’t want

to trade me with everything going on with my family. We don’t have family in Cleveland. If I got traded

somewhere in California, then my family is in Cleveland, I’m in California and neither my family nor my wife’s

family are even close to them.

“It was tough but it worked out. I didn’t get traded and I was able to be there and be around for my family.”

Second only to his daughter's recovery this offseason for Aviles was the Tigers signing him to a one-year

contract.

"When a team like the Tigers is interested in you, you seriously think, like, 'Why does this team want me? They

have everything going on,'" he said. "But it was kind of an easy decision. When a team that's really good and in

contention, trying to win a championship has some interest in you, you don't even think about it."

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Visa snag delays Francisco Rodriguez's arrival with Tigers February 19, 2016

By Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Lakeland, Fla. — Tigertown will have to wait a bit to welcome new closer Francisco Rodriguez.

The team announced that Rodriguez was having trouble securing a visa to travel from Venezuela to the United

States.

“This is something that happens all across spring training,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “There’s no concern at

all.”

Thursday was the official reporting day for pitchers and catchers. Rodriguez was the only player missing. The

Tigers aren't certain when he'll get here. Most had been in Lakeland for the better part of a week.

Right-hander Bruce Rondon was in camp for the first time Thursday and is expected to meet with the media

Friday.

Around the horn

Tigers first base coach Omar Vizquel will manage Team Venezuela in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Vizquel, in his third season with the Tigers, is a native of Caracas and recently enshrined in the Latino Baseball

Hall of Fame.

… Besides signing right-handed pitcher Bobby Parnell to a minor league contract Thursday, the team also

worked out former Astros and White Sox right-hander Lucas Harrell. The signing of Parnell most likely

precludes the signing of Harrell for now.

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As Detroit Tigers fans enjoy turning point on calendar, players prepare to get to work February 19, 2016

By Chris Iott/ MLive.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Reporting day for pitchers and catchers is a bigger day for fans than it is for players.

That was evident by the reaction Thursday on Twitter, where several Tigers fans posted messages about

baseball being back, many of them with an abundance of capital letters and exclamation points.

It was evident by the number of fans who lined the fences near the practice fields at Joker Marchant Stadium

looking for autographs or hoping to get photographs of some of their favorite players. The crowd Thursday was

larger than the crowds of the previoius three days combined.

Reporting day is more like the registration deadline for college than it is the first day of school. It really marks

the final day without baseball more than the first day with it. No one is required to work out. Not all pitchers

and catchers are even required to come to the park. Only those who have not reported previously are expected to

check in.

Even the absence of a guy like closer Francisco Rodriguez seemed to result in a shrug from the Tigers. He

seems to have visa issues every year. The Tigers expect him to be in camp this weekend.

He wasn't the only player absent Thursday. In fact, the crowd of players working out is always smaller on

reporting day than it is in the days leading up to it. That's because it's the last chance for the players to get a day

off before grind of spring training begins.

The real work begins Friday, when pitchers and catchers go through their first official workouts. It heats up next

week, when the first full-squad workout takes place.

The goal is the same as it is basically every year for the Tigers and most every team in the majors: a World

Series title.

"This team is built to win a championship," veteran utility player Mike Aviles said in his first session with

Detroit media members. "You look at the moves that were made this offseason and you look at what talent was

already here. This team's not built to, 'Hey, we got into the playoffs.' This team is built to win a championship."

Justin Verlander was all business Thursday. He was one of very few pitchers who threw off a mound as he took

part in a 50-pitch bullpen session. He discussed the upcoming season. He veered off topic at one point to take a

shot at a writer who picked the Tigers to finish fourth in the American League Central Division with an 82-80

record.

"We had a lot of holes that needed to be filled," Verlander said, "and I think we did a great job not just filling

those holes but implementing great ballplayers into those holes and guys who are going to succeed.

"On paper, I'm really pleased with this team," he continued. "I know USA Today doesn't think so. But in this

clubhouse, we do."

Beyond that, the mood was mostly light Thursday. The players who did work out were done relatively early.

Verlander signed autographs for Tigers fans on his way back to the clubhouse, as did manager Brad Ausmus

and first base coach Omar Vizquel, among others.

Nick Castellanos crashed the interview with Aviles, borrowing a cell phone from a Tigers employee and

holding it in front of Aviles. Aviles eventually caught on to the fact that Castellanos was there and joked about

talking to Ausmus about playing third base full-time.

"Oh, hey, Nick," Aviles joked. "I didn't see you there."

"I'm just doing my job," Castellanos responded.

That wasn't true at all. Reporting day is a major turning point on the baseball calendar for fans. But the real

work for the Tigers, as they try to bounce back from an extremely disappointing season, begins Friday.

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Detroit Tigers notes: Francisco Rodriguez delayed by visa issue; Bruce Rondon reports to

camp February 19, 2016

By Chris Iott/ MLive.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The day that pitchers and catchers are due to report to spring training takes place about

this time every year. The day that Francisco Rodriguez arrives in camp generally happens a few days later.

That has not changed this year.

Rodriguez was a notable absence from Detroit Tigers camp Thursday, which was reporting day for pitchers and

catchers. The Tigers were not expecting him to report Thursday while he obtains a work visa in Venezuela, but

they do expect him to report at some point this weekend.

Rodriguez has been late to training camp multiple times in his career due to visa issues.

Rodriguez, 34, is a key piece in a retooled bullpen for the Tigers. He went 1-3 with a 2.21 ERA, a 0.860 WHIP

and 38 saves for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 and has 386 career saves.

Right-hander Bruce Rondon reported to camp Thursday. He is expected to speak to media members Friday for

the first time since the Tigers sent him home last September due to a lack of effort.

Rondon had an adventurous offseason as well. He was involved in a bench-clearing brawl in a winter league

game, then sat out most of the winter league season and the Tigers' annual winter caravan after catching the

chikungunya virus, which is transmitted by mosquitos.

Rondon, 25, will have to battle for one of two open bullpen spots this spring. He has two options remaining, so

the Tigers have some time before having to make a long-term decision regarding the talented right-hander.

Tigers add Parnell: The Tigers have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with former New York Mets closer

Bobby Parnell, according to a source. The deal is pending a physical and includes an invitation to spring

training. Parnell went 2-4 with a 6.38 ERA in 30 games for the Mets last season after undergoing Tommy John

surgery in 2014.

Tigers work out Harrell: Right-hander Lucas Harrell worked out for the Tigers on Thursday but will work out

for other teams before signing a contract, according to a source. Harrell, who pitched in Korea last season, made

32 starts in both 2012 and 2013 while pitching for the Houston Astros.

Aviles with good news: Utility player Mike Aviles said his daughter Adriana underwent a bone marrow

transplant in December and is now cancer-free. Adriana was 4 years old last summer when she was diagnosed

with leukemia.

15

For Tigers, report date reason to celebrate February 19, 2016

By Jason Beck/ MLB.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers spent all offseason trying to put together a team for a turnaround. Finally, the

chance to see that team -- or at least the pitchers -- on the field is here.

Though most Tigers pitchers and catchers have been working out on the fields behind Joker Marchant Stadium

for several days, Thursday marked their official reporting date. The actual reporting part is done, but the first

official workout comes Friday, allowing manager Brad Ausmus, new pitching coach Rich Dubee and the rest of

the staff to take a look.

On Twitter, left-hander Daniel Norris compared it to a holiday.

For Ausmus, it's a milestone he has followed since he was a kid, before he became a professional baseball

player.

"I've always liked Spring Training," Ausmus said. "Before I even played as a kid, I used to love Spring

Training. Growing up in a cold-weather climate [in Connecticut], it meant spring was near. Forget Groundhog

Day; it was the start of Spring Training."

Projections | Bounceback | Newcomers | Prospects | Position battles | Questions

In a sense, it is like a holiday of renewal for Ausmus, who begins his third season in charge entering a contract

year but armed with arguably his deepest, most balanced roster yet. After weeks of staring at an upgraded roster

with more pitching, lineup and bench options than he had last year, he finally gets a chance to put his players to

work, including nine new guys.

Jordan Zimmermann, Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe, Justin Wilson and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were all among the

early arrivals, joining such stars as Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez.

"A lot of new faces," Verlander said, "but I really like all the acquisitions."

All of them, newcomers and veterans alike, will be working with Dubee for the first time, making this a very

important camp.

"We haven't actually gotten in-depth about [pitching] philosophy yet," Verlander said. "We've been talking

about mechanics here and there, but I think what he's doing right now is just sitting back, watching and

assessing."

Among those to report Thursday was Bruce Rondon, the hard-throwing former closer whose season ended early

when he was sent home last September. Rondon has been in Florida since January after his winter-ball season

ended in Venezuela, but he had been dealing with a virus.

One veteran who has yet to report is closer Francisco Rodriguez, who is still trying to obtain a work visa and

travel to the United States from his native Venezuela. The Tigers expect that to happen in the coming days.

The first official workout for pitchers and catchers is Friday. Position players officially report Monday, with the

first full-squad workout scheduled for Tuesday. Spring Training games begin with the Tigers' annual exhibition

against nearby Florida Southern College on Feb. 29. Detroit's Grapefruit League opener takes place against the

Pittsburgh Pirates on March 1. Both games are 1:05 p.m. ET starts at Joker Marchant Stadium.

16

Aviles' daughter cancer-free after transplant February 19, 2016

By Jason Beck/ MLB.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Don't tell Mike Aviles that Tigers position players aren't officially due into camp until

next week. The smile on his face as he took grounders on the workout infield at Tigertown suggests he's having

too much fun.

"You'll see a lot of those," Aviles said Thursday afternoon. "I'm never serious. I'm always messing around."

That smile probably will widen in a couple of weeks, when his family arrives to visit. That includes his 5-year-

old daughter Adriana, whose battle with leukemia last summer might thankfully be over.

"Everything's going well with her," Aviles said. "She had a bone marrow transplant in December. She's

recovering and she'll be out here in a couple weeks when she's allowed to fly. She's cancer-free and going

forward."

Adriana, who was diagnosed with leukemia last May in Cleveland while her father was on the road with the

Indians, underwent chemotherapy last summer.

Many of Aviles' teammates and coaches shaved their heads in a show of support, donning "Team Adriana" T-

shirts. When the Indians fell out of contention near the Trade Deadline, the Indians held on to Aviles, not

wanting to force him to be away from his family during that time. Later in the season, Adriana threw out a

ceremonial first pitch at Progressive Field.

"My daughter got diagnosed when they came to visit," he said, "so they weren't actually going to stay the whole

time. So my wife and kids got stranded out in Cleveland the whole year when they were going to go home and

come back in the summer. We don't have family there, so if I got traded to somewhere in California, now my

family [would be] in Cleveland, I'm in California and my family or my wife's family aren't even close to us. It

was a tough situation, but it worked out because I didn't get traded."

Aviles became a free agent at season's end and brought his family home to Utah, where Adriana received

treatment at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, where the transplant took place.

"That's been her hospital this whole time, since the offseason started," Aviles said. "She's doing well."

December was a very good month for the family. It was also the time when Aviles signed a one-year, $2 million

deal with the Tigers, filling general manager Al Avila's search for a veteran utility player.

"The fun part is going to be not worrying about when Miggy's going to hit a homer," said Aviles, who was a

winter-ball teammate of Miguel Cabrera years ago in Venezuela. "I've been on the other side numerous times.

It'll be fun to be on the same side cheering."

Likewise, the Indians now go from Aviles' support group to his opponents. Still, his ex-teammates, many of

whom kept in touch this offseason, were overjoyed about Adriana's good health.

"Our families got to hang out a lot," Cleveland catcher Yan Gomes said. "Whenever they had to go take

Adriana to do her chemo, we kept Maya, who's her twin. It was just amazing to see. We understood that she was

sick, obviously, but whenever she came around, they were still just so happy, just being kids. I think that plays a

huge part in having hope and faith."

Said Michael Brantley: "It's a blessing, not only as a teammate, but as a friend. When you spend so much time

together, it becomes a family. To hear that news, and obviously I was keeping up with him this offseason and I

knew everything was going well, but it's a great day and a great time to hear that."

17

Tigers add Parnell to bullpen competition February 19, 2016

By Jason Beck/ MLB.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers' search for one more relief option led them Thursday to former Mets closer

Bobby Parnell, who agreed to terms on a Minor League deal with a non-roster invite to big league camp.

Parnell, a 31-year-old right-hander, is expected to compete for one of two open spots in Detroit's bullpen. If he

can recapture the form that earned him 22 saves in 2013 before undergoing Tommy John surgery the following

year, he'll have a good opportunity.

The Tigers had relative success two years ago on a low-risk deal with a reliever in his second season back from

elbow surgery. Joba Chamberlain became the Tigers' setup man in 2014, two years after his surgery, and played

an underrated role in Detroit's fourth consecutive division title.

Parnell had a longer stretch of success, racking up three seasons of 60-plus appearances in a four-year span,

before his elbow gave out. He pitched 301 1/3 innings over 292 Major League appearances from 2009 through

2013, posting a 3.52 ERA and 3.22 FIP while averaging 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings and a 2.44 strikeout-to-

walk ratio. His fastball averaged at least 94.5 mph in every season during that stretch, according to

Fangraphs.com.

With surgery in 2014, not only was Parnell's career stalled, his bullpen spot was open for others to take. He

returned last June to make 30 appearances the rest of the year, but gave up 17 earned runs on 30 hits over 24

innings with more walks (17) than strikeouts (13).

Opponents hit Parnell's fastball for a .349 BABIP on the season, according to STATS, and he struggled to get

swings and misses. Within those struggles, however, came a slow improvement in his fastball, from 92.23 mph

in June to 96 mph in September, according to brooksbaseball.net.

The Tigers had been eyeing free-agent relievers since the holidays, hoping to find bargains close to Spring

Training. With the 40-man roster full, however, Detroit did not want to give a guaranteed Major League

contract and have to give up a prospect to make room. With Spring Training workouts beginning across the

Majors this weekend, the lingering relief market began to move in recent days.

The Tigers worked out another former Major League pitcher Thursday, bringing in former Astros starter Lucas

Harrell to throw on the back fields at Tigertown. However, Parnell's deal could conclude the Tigers' non-roster

invites.

18

Vizquel named Venezuela's Classic manager February 19, 2016

By Jason Beck/ MLB.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- One of the greatest Venezuelan-born players in Major League history will try to lead the

next generation of Venezuelan talent to long-awaited international success. Omar Vizquel, who captained Team

Venezuela in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, will serve as the team's manager in next year's

Classic.

Vizquel confirmed the appointment Thursday morning, saying he was looking forward to the opportunity,

before the Tigers made the formal announcement in a press release Thursday afternoon. It's a much-anticipated

opportunity for Vizquel, who broke into the coaching ranks with future managerial aspirations when he became

the Tigers' first-base coach in 2014.

Vizquel's playing credentials are undisputable. An 11-time Gold Glove recipient, the Caracas native was a

three-time All-Star as a member of the Indians. He also owns the second-highest all-time career fielding

percentage (.985) among big league shortstops (minimum 1,000 games), ranks first in career games played as a

shortstop (2,709) and is 12th all-time in total games played (2,968).

Vizquel played for the Mariners, Indians, Giants, Rangers, White Sox and Blue Jays before retiring following

the 2012 season. While he has returned to Venezuela to coach in winter ball, he spent one season as an infield

instructor in the Angels organization before coming to Detroit to join the coaching staff of Brad Ausmus, who

took a similar path. Ausmus managed Team Israel in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, his only previous

managerial experience before the Tigers hired him from the Padres, where he had been a special assistant in the

front office.

Vizquel has also been an influential figure for Venezuelan-born players showing awareness for social causes

with their country marked by political and economic unrest. He also understands what success on the baseball

diamond can mean for the population.

If Vizquel can help his homeland meet the lofty expectations it carried in previous Classics, he could become

the next managerial commodity. Despite some of the game's biggest stars and a third-place finish in 2009,

Venezuela was eliminated from the last World Baseball Classic in first-round pool play four years ago.

Among the players who took part were Miguel Cabrera, Salvador Perez, Carlos Gonzalez, Pablo Sandoval,

Anibal Sanchez and Elvis Andrus. Vizquel's appointment could be incentive for Cabrera, whom Vizquel

coaches among Tigers infielders, to play in a fourth World Baseball Classic at age 33.

19

Mike Aviles shares the great news that daughter Adriana is cancer-free February 19, 2016

By Chris Bahr/ FOXSportsDetroit.com

Detroit Tigers infielder Mike Aviles shared some great news with the baseball world on Thursday: His daughter

Adriana is cancer-free.

"Everything's going well with her," Aviles told MLB.com. "She had a bone marrow transplant in December.

She's recovering, and she'll be out here in a couple weeks when she's allowed to fly. She's cancer-free and going

forward."

Adriana, now 5 years old, was diagnosed with leukemia last May and captured the hearts of baseball fans when

she and her twin sister threw ceremonial first pitches before a Cleveland Indians-New York Yankees game in

August.

The Indians, for whom Aviles played from 2013 to 2015, honored his request not to be traded last offseason so

Adriana could stay in Cleveland for medical treatment. He signed with the Tigers this offseason.

The good news spread throughout baseball Thursday, with numerous players sharing their congratulations for

the Aviles family.

20

Veteran Justin Verlander 'feels great' heading into 2016 February 19, 2016

By Katie Strang/ ESPN.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Call him a veteran, a mentor, or the longest-tenured member of the Detroit Tigers. He’s

earned all three designations. But do not call Justin Verlander old.

That’s enough to make the 32-year-old ace bristle.

Verlander may be the only holdover from the 2006 Tigers team that went to the World Series, but he’s still got

plenty in the tank, he assured reporters on Thursday, when pitchers and catchers officially reported to Joker

Marchant stadium for the first time in spring training.

“I’ve been the only one standing from that team for a few years now. It’s crazy to think,” Verlander mused.

“But I don't think I'm the old guy. A couple of years ago I probably would’ve thought that, yeah, [my] body's

starting to age on me. Everyone says at 30, things change and that kinda got in my mind a little bit. And it ended

up not being that at all. It ended up being something that was out of my control and I feel great now.”

Verlander is of course referring to the triceps injury that derailed him last spring, a demoralizing injury that

dashed the first few months of his 2015 season. With that disappointment now behind him, Verlander begins

this spring anew -- healthy and optimistic about the season ahead.

“I don’t want to say it was night and day from last year -- we talked about it last year in spring training and I felt

pretty good -- but obviously I ran into an injury in the spring. But, right now it feels the best I can remember in

a long time. I’m able to throw every day. I’ve been long-tossing a lot, something I wasn’t able to do the past

few years. [I’d] long toss one day, come back the next day not feeling too great so you don't want to push it too

hard. But I don’t even feel like I’m pushing it right now. Just naturally feeling good.”

Verlander completed his fourth bullpen session on Thursday, around which many of his cohorts were huddling

to observe.

Considering Verlander may be the singular player whose performance is most integral to the club’s success, his

teammates were rapt with attention and dialed in on his progress.

Verlander feels he’s in a good place. That hasn’t necessarily been the case the past few springs when the club

has convened at its Lakeland complex.

“It feels like how it used to feel. Normal hasn’t been the status quo the past few years, but I feel great,”

Verlander said. “It’s a lot of fun being able to go through my normal routine, long toss when I want, get off the

mound when I need to without any issues.”

The 2011 AL Cy Young winner has another reason to feel encouraged heading into 2016: a strong second half

of the 2015 season in which he seemed to rebound from the mixed results he experienced following his initial

return from the disabled list. His bounceback was important not just on a personal level, but to the team as well.

“I’m definitely excited, I can tell you that,” Verlander said. “Feeling like I pitched well last year went a long

way for everybody -- about being excited for this upcoming season. It’s even better right now than it was last

spring training, so I’m ready to step on the gas. I’m ready to go.”

Perhaps both general manager Al Avila and team owner Mike Ilitch were heartened by his about-face, too,

considering the aggressive way in which they built around the club’s ace in strengthening the rotation and

shoring up the bullpen. All that spending and offseason shopping has resulted in a bevvy of fresh talent in

Lakeland.

“It’s a whole staff, bullpen and everything, absolutely, lots of new faces. But I really like all the acquisitions,”

Verlander said. “You have to applaud Al -- Mr. Avila -- and Mr. [Ilitch]. We had a lot of holes that we filled.

And I think we did a great job not just filling those holes but implementing great ballplayers in those roles [with

guys] that are going to succeed.”

Verlander is not old, not even by baseball standards, but he is savvy. Upon ending his first press briefing of the

season, he took the opportunity to deliver a not-so-subtle jab at the preseason prognosticators that have, thus far,

doubted the Tigers for 2016.

USA Today, namely, predicted the Tigers would finish fourth in the AL Central.

21

“On paper, I'm really pleased with this team,” Verlander said. “I know USA Today doesn’t think so, but in this

clubhouse, we do.”

22

Tigers bolster bullpen depth, add reliever Bobby Parnell February 19, 2016

By Katie Strang/ ESPN.com

LAKELAND, FL -- Even after the splash made by signing premier outfielder Justin Upton last month, Detroit

Tigers general manager Al Avila hinted the team may not have been completely finished.

Avila made no secret about his desire to add one more bullpen arm, and it appears he has accomplished that in

signing former New York Mets reliever Bobby Parnell.

A source confirmed to ESPN.com that the Tigers signed the 31-year-old Parnell to a minor-league deal with an

invitation to spring training.

Parnell, (2-4, 6.38 ERA) pitched 24 innings for the Mets last season, his first since undergoing Tommy John

surgery in 2014. Before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament, he had been named the Mets closer. He

recorded 22 saves in 26 save opportunities the previous year, so Parnell could be the type of player poised for a

bounce-back season.

This offseason, the bullpen was an area of significant importance, as the club traded for closer Francisco

Rodriguez and setup man Justin Wilson, and they also added Mark Lowe in free agency.

23

Adriana Aviles cancer-free, her father Mike Aviles says February 19, 2016

By Katie Strang/ ESPN.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Though there was little action on Thursday at Joker Marchant Stadium, where pitchers and

catchers officially reported for the Detroit Tigers, spring training began with some good news.

Utility player Mike Aviles announced that his five-year-old daughter, Adriana, is cancer-free.

Adriana Aviles was diagnosed with leukemia in May.

"Everything's going well with her. She had a bone marrow transplant in December, she's recovering," Mike

Aviles said, beaming. "She'll be out here in a couple weeks when she's allowed to fly. And she's cancer-free and

going forward."

According to the 34-year-old Aviles, Adriana was diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic and then was transferred to

Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Aviles, an appealing depth signing for the Tigers because of his versatility, said last season was difficult,

considering all that was going on with his family. Ultimately, it worked out for the best.

"It was a tough a situation, but it worked out good because I didn't get traded," Aviles said. "I was able to stay

there and be around for my family."

Adriana, along with her twin sister Maiya, threw out a ceremonial first pitch at an Indians game in August. The

Indians organization, including owner Paul Dolan, general manager Chris Antonetti and several Indians players,

shaved their heads in a show of support for Adriana.

24

LAST UPDATED: FRI, FEBRUARY 19, 2016, 04:53 EST

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Colorado Rockies Adam Ottavino Placed on 60-Day DL, (Recovery from right elbow surgery)

Detroit Tigers Bobby Parnell Signed to a Minor League Contract

Kansas City Royals Ross Ohlendorf Signed to a Minor League Contract

Kansas City Royals Brian Duensing Signed to a Minor League Contract

Kansas City Royals Clint Barmes Signed to a Minor League Contract

Los Angeles Dodgers Louis Coleman Signed as Free Agent, ( 2016)(one-year contract)

Milwaukee Brewers Pat Misch Signed to Play in Japan, (Orix Buffaloes)

Pittsburgh Pirates Matt Joyce Signed to a Minor League Contract

Tampa Bay Rays Chase Whitley Placed on 60-Day DL, (Recovery from right elbow surgery)

Tampa Bay Rays Ryan Webb Signed as Free Agent, ( 2016)(one-year contract)

Washington Nationals Burke Badenhop Signed to a Minor League Contract

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Colorado Rockies DJ LeMahieu Signed, ( 2016-2017)(two-year contract, avoids arbitration)

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/COL/colorado-rockieshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1537191/adam-ottavinohttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/DET/detroit-tigershttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/12789/bobby-parnellhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/KC/kansas-city-royalshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/412102/ross-ohlendorfhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/KC/kansas-city-royalshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/412452/brian-duensinghttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/KC/kansas-city-royalshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/418311/clint-barmeshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/LAD/los-angeles-dodgershttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/556987/louis-colemanhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/MIL/milwaukee-brewershttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/406661/pat-mischhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/PIT/pittsburgh-pirateshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1114648/matt-joycehttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/TB/tampa-bay-rayshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1943719/chase-whitleyhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/TB/tampa-bay-rayshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1221952/ryan-webbhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/WAS/washington-nationalshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/402709/burke-badenhophttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/COL/colorado-rockieshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1740958/dj-lemahieu

25

San Diego Padres Nick Noonan Signed to a Minor League Contract

Washington Nationals Matt Belisle Signed to a Minor League Contract

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2016

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Boston Red Sox Carlos Marmol Signed to a Minor League Contract

Chicago Cubs Edgar Olmos Outrighted to Minors

Cleveland Indians Tommy Hunter Signed as Free Agent, ( 2016)(one-year contract)

Houston Astros Evan Gattis Signed, ( 2016; Opt 2017)(avoids arbitration)

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/SD/san-diego-padreshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/584314/nick-noonanhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/WAS/washington-nationalshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/422118/matt-belislehttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/BOS/boston-red-soxhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/580591/carlos-marmolhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/CHC/chicago-cubshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/2027447/edgar-olmoshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/CLE/cleveland-indianshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1595123/tommy-hunterhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/transactions/HOU/houston-astroshttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1941510/evan-gattis