Casey

Crosby

It’s almost surely a minor league deal for the 31-year-old. Crosby emerged as a top prospect with the Tigers in 2009, but control problems prevented him from reaching his potential and he surfaced only briefly in the majors, giving up 13 runs in 12 1/3 innings for the Tigers in 2012. He pitched in indy ball last season, striking out 75 and walking 34 in 46 2/3 innings. His social media shows him throwing 96-98 mph in recent bullpen sessions, but he’ll still need to do a better job of throwing strikes if he’s going to see the majors again.

Crosby allowed six hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings this spring in the Grapefruit League. The 23-year-old southpaw will join the Toledo starting rotation.

Crosby at least stayed healthy in 2011 after an injury-shortened 2010 campaign, but he posted a pedestrian 4.10 ERA and 1.51 WHIP while striking out 121 over 131 2/3 innings for Erie. Still the southpaw has a great arm, and the Tigers weren’t going to expose his upside in the Rule 5 draft.

Leyland didn’t change his rotation during the Tigers’ last off-day, but may skip Crosby to allow Justin Verlander to pitch on normal rest. Verlander will either start Thursday against the Cubs or Friday at home against the Rockies, depending on which way Leyland wants to go with the rotation.

He’ll be filling in for Doug Fister, who was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a strained left side. Crosby, 23, has a 4.26 ERA and 57/26 K/BB ratio in 50 2/3 innings over his first nine starts at the Triple-A level this year. He’s not a recommended option in fantasy leagues with the tough first matchup.

He walked four and struck out three in the game. He struggled with his command the majority of the night, leading to the four walks and inflated pitch count. He nearly worked out of a bases loaded jam in the second inning before a Curtis Granderson grand slam provided the majority of the damage. Crosby will continue to fill in for the injured Doug Fister, making his next turn on Thursday against the Indians. He shouldn’t be a factor in most fantasy leagues at this point.

Crosby allowed five hits, walked three and struck out two, so he was far from dominant in lowering his ERA to 9.35 today. He’s likely to make at least one more start before Doug Fister returns.

He’ll get the start Friday against the Yankees, taking the rotation spot of the injured Doug Fister. Crosby, 23, has a 4.26 ERA and 57/26 K/BB ratio in 50 2/3 innings over his first nine starts at the Triple-A level this year. While he holds some long-term intrigue, he’s not a recommended fantasy play against the Bronx Bombers.

Crosby struck out four but also walked four in the shortened outing. If not for a couple of timely double play balls, the damage could have been even worse. Chris Nelson’s two run homer gave the Rockies the lead in the fourth inning and chased Crosby from the game. He has struggled mightily in his first three starts with the Tigers, posting a 9.49 ERA through 12 1/3 innings. He’ll continue to fill in while Drew Smyly is on the DL, making his next turn against the Cardinals at home on Thursday.

Crosby was sent down after giving up four runs over 3 2/3 innings Friday night against the Rockies. The 23-year-old southpaw had an ugly 9.49 ERA and 9/11 K/BB ratio over his first three big league starts. While he remains an intriguing prospect, he’s not ready for prime time. Jacob Turner is a possibility to replace him in the starting rotation.