Phil

Coke

Coke last pitched in the majors in 2016 and had Tommy John surgery in August of 2018, but he’s healthy now and wants another shot in the big leagues. The left-hander is now 37 but could be able to land a minor league contract somewhere.

After entering the game in the eighth inning, he retired the first two batters before things got out of hand. Collin Balester took over with the bases loaded and promptly issued a grand slam to Brandon Inge. As a result, Coke’s ERA balloons from 2.92 to 4.85.

The Tigers are still unsettled on a fifth starter, but there’s been no call to put Coke back into the rotation. He’ll be a candidate to pick up a half-dozen wins this year while working in the sixth and seventh innings.

The pact carries a $1.1 million base. Coke was eligible for arbitration this winter for the first time in his career. He made close to the MLB minimum in 2011 while posting a 4.47 ERA and 69/40 K/BB ratio in 108 2/3 innings.

Valverde will meet with a specialist on Wednesday evening to determine the severity of the sprain, and whether he’ll need a trip to the disabled list. Phil Coke earned a save in his place Tuesday night against the Cardinals, but Joaquin Benoit is probably the guy to own in most fantasy leagues.

Valverde paid a visit to a specialist on Wednesday, who confirmed the Tigers’ diagnosis of a sprained right wrist. Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit are the leading candidates for save chances in his absence. Benoit seems like the best option in fantasy leagues, what with his sparkling 1.99 season ERA.

Phil Coke is also a candidate for some ninth-inning chances, but Benoit has the most dominant stuff in the Tigers’ entire bullpen and is the best option for fantasy leagues. He’s registered a superb 1.99 ERA and 44/13 K/BB ratio in 31 2/3 innings this year.

Coke was unavailable for Thursday’s game due to illness, but he’s back to normal now. The 29-year-old southpaw has a 3.31 ERA and 33/9 K/BB ratio in 35 1/3 innings of work this season.

Jose Valverde hadn’t pitched since Friday, but Tigers manager Jim Leyland elected to go with Coke with three left-handed batters due up. The Cards pinch-hit two right-handed batters, but Coke still notched a 1-2-3 frame. It’s a noteworthy event, but we’re not expecting a closer controversy in Detroit given Valverde’s track record and Leyland’s confidence in him.

“A possibility tomorrow but not a sure thing,” is how Leyland framed Valverde’s status when asked Saturday evening. The Detroit closer has been idle since Tuesday night due to a sprained right wrist. Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit are handling ninth-inning duties in his absence.