The Tigers optioned outfielder Ryan Raburn to Toledo and recalled Alfredo Figaro from the same club this morning. This is not so much a demotion for Raburn as a move to fill an immediate need. With a doubleheader scheduled against the Yankees today and Tigers starters usually unable to pitch deep into games, the Tigers apparently felt that they needed to add a thirteenth pitcher to the staff for the short term.
Figaro was fourth in the International League with a 2.55 ERA in six starts this year. He also had a 27/10 strikeout to walk ratio in 35 1/3 innings pitched. The 25-year-old right-hander posted a 6.35 ERA in five appearances, including three starts, for the Tigers last year. He is probably most remembered for his start versus the White Sox on the final weekend of the season where he didn't make it through the second inning. He is, however, a pretty good prospect and is throwing well this year.
Raburn has been a disappointment as a role player this year batting .213 with no homers in 47 at bats and struggling defensively. With the strong showing by rookie Brennan Boesch and Don Kelly not having any remaining options, Raburn was the easiest player to stash in the minors for the time being. I doubt he'll be in the minors for long though.
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Do you think that, whenever Carlos comes back, Raburn will stay up and Boesch will go back down?
ReplyDeleteIf Boesch keeps hitting like he has, I think they will keep him on the team and figure out how to give him at bats. If he slows down, they will send him to Toledo to get regular at bats.
ReplyDeleteIf it comes down to Kelly versus Raburn long term, I think they'll go with Raburn. Right now, I think they are sending down Raburn because it's convenient. In ten days when Raburn is eligible to return, they'll know more about Boesch.
Lee