Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told Jason Beck of MLB.com earlier today that trade talks involving Armando Galarraga are progressing, adding that a deal “is likely.”
Galarraga was designated for assignment by the club earlier this week, just one day after the two sides avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.3 million contract. The 29-year-old right-hander became expendable once the team finalized a contract with Brad Penny.
Galarraga went 4-9 with a 4.49 ERA across 24 starts and one relief appearance with the Tigers last season. Sure, he was robbed of a perfect game, but don’t let that overshadow the fact that he just isn’t a very good starting pitcher. Galarraga had an underwhelming 74/51 K/BB ratio over 144 1/3 innings in 2010 and also gave up 21 home runs. For a guy that doesn’t miss many bats, his 48.9 percent fly ball rate from last season is troubling.
The Tigers will probably be able to find him a home somewhere, but he shouldn’t be counted on as anything besides a fifth starter.
