Tigers Call Up Former All-Star Closer Trevor Rosenthal

Cover Image
Photo credit © Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
A few weeks after signing him to a minor-league contract, the Tigers are going to give former All-Star closer Trevor Rosenthal a shot. 
The club announced Monday that Rosenthal has been called up from Triple-A Toledo. He'll join the Tigers Monday night for the start of a four-game series in Cleveland. 

The Tigers today have selected RHP Trevor Rosenthal from Triple A Toledo. Rosenthal will wear No. 19.With the selection of Rosenthal, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 40.

— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) July 15, 2019

Rosenthal, 29, underwent Tommy John last year and was released by the Nationals last month after posting a 22.74 ERA over 12 games. His fastball still touches triple digits, but he issued 15 walks in just 6 1/3 innings with Washington. 

He wasn't much better in Toledo. He posted a 10.13 ERA over six appearances, with six walks in 5 1/3 innings. He did record nine strikeouts. 

Still, the Tigers are going to see if he can recapture his form. Rosenthal posted 93 saves and a 2.65 ERA for the Cardinals from 2014-15, while striking out well more than a batter per inning. He was an All-Star in the latter year. 

With the trade deadline two weeks ago, there's an off-chance Rosenthal could turn himself into an asset. If his struggles continue, the Tigers will simply cut bait. 

To create room for Rosenthal on the roster, the Tigers optioned pitcher Gregory Soto to Toledo.