Sam

Howard

Howard went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week. The 29-year-old lefty will remain with the Tigers as organizational relief depth at Triple-A Toledo.

Howard was claimed off waivers from the Pirates back on May 13 and has been pitching at Triple-A Toledo for the last few weeks. It wouldn’t be surprising to see another organization put in a claim on the 29-year-old left-hander.

Howard was designated for assignment last week by the Pirates and has been gobbled up by Detroit off waivers. The 29-year-old southpaw will head to Triple-A Toledo, but could be an option for the Tigers’ bullpen later this season. He holds a serviceable 5.34 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 112/58 K/BB ratio across 91 innings (103 appearances, one start) in the majors since 2018.

The lefty was optioned to Triple-A when rosters had to be trimmed down on May 2. However, after the Roberto Pérez injury, he was designated for assignment so Michael Perez could be added to the 40-man roster.

Howard has been shipped back to the minors as the Pirates trim their active roster down to 26 players ahead of Monday’s deadline. The 29-year-old lefty has allowed two run on two hits with a 1/4 K/BB ratio across two innings (three appearances) this season.

Howard will augment the Pirates’ relief depth ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Brewers with lefty Anthony Banda heading to the injured list with a non-COVID illness. The 29-year-old lefty registered a serviceable 5.60 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 60/32 K/BB ratio across 45 innings (54 appearances, one start) last year at the major-league level.

Howard has completed a pair of minor league rehab appearances and will remain at Triple-A Indianapolis for now. The 29-year-old lefty made 54 appearances (one start) last year at the major-league level and has been out with a muscle strain in his back this year.

Howard got a late start to the season due to a back issue but is ready for game action now. He’ll be back in the late-inning mix for the Pirates soon.

Howard was limited to just four relief appearances this spring due to back spasms. It’s unclear how long he’ll be sidelined to open the regular season.

It’s unclear how long he’ll be sidelined at the moment. He’s being considered day-to-day for now and there should be some updates on his status in a few days.