Daniel

Stumpf

Stumpf was pushed off the Tigers’ 40-man roster and had the ability to decline an assignment to Triple-A Toledo. He’ll officially be on the open market five days after the World Series. The 28-year-old left-hander registered a 4.34 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, and 28/15 K/BB ratio in 48 relief appearances (29 innings) with the Tigers in 2019.

Stumpf is officially done for the season and finishes with a 4.34 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, and 28/15 K/BB ratio in 29 innings (48 appearances) of relief. He’ll be arbitration-eligible this winter and is a non-tender candidate.

Stumpf owns a 4.44 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, and 25/13 K/BB ratio in 26 1/3 innings (43 appearances) this season with Detroit. He’ll go on operating as a lefty specialist for the stretch run.

Stumpf is being sent down to make room for Drew VerHagen, who will have his contract purchased on Thursday to start against the Mariners on Thursday. Stumpf has a 4.44 ERA over 43 games with a 25/13 K/BB mark over 26 1/3 innings. He’ll assuredly be back at some point this season.

It’s unclear what specifically was sore with Stumpf, but it sounds like nothing more than early spring training aches and pains. The left-hander will throw a live batting practice session Sunday.

The Rule 5 pick was suspended shortstop after Opening Day for PEDs and made only seven relief appearances before the Phillies decided to give up on him. He’ll be offered back to the Royals if he clears waivers.

Stumpf was designated for assignment by the Phillies last week and the Royals took the opportunity to reacquire the left-hander. He will be sent to Triple-A Omaha.

Stumpf is finished serving his 80-game PED suspension. The Rule 5 pick will be used in low-leverage situations.

Stumpf was also selected in last year’s Rule 5 Draft, so this routine is nothing new for him. He allowed six earned runs in five innings with the Phillies in 2016, but the 25-year-old southpaw did have some success at the Double-A level and will compete for a spot in the Detroit bullpen next spring.

It sounds like a day-to-day situation. Stumpf is trying to make the Tigers’ Opening Day roster as a Rule 5 pick.