DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have reportedly agreed to a deal with free agent pitcher Shelby Miller.
Kiley McDaniel, of ESPN, reported the deal and says it is pending a physical.
Miller, 33, began his career as a starter but moved to the bullpen full-time after the 2020 COVID season. He battled a series of injuries that held him to just 12.2 innings in 2021 and seven innings in 2022.
Last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miller made a career-high 36 appearances and pitched well, posting a 1.71 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 42 innings. He struck out exactly one batter per inning, but averaged nearly a walk every other inning.
Walks have been a major issue for Miller during his time as a reliever, but he made up for it last season by allowing just 19 hits to the 163 batters he faced.
Miller wasn’t quite as dominant as his ratios suggested last year, but he still pitched to a 3.25 expected ERA and allowed an expected batting average of just .188. His quality of contact and whiff rates left something to be desired, but he still managed to be very effective.
If he can stay healthy, Miller should be an asset for the Tigers in the middle and late innings.
Free agent RHP Shelby Miller has a deal (pending physical) with the Detroit Tigers, per source.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) December 22, 2023
Miller, 33, pitched for the Dodgers last season, throwing 42.0 innings, mostly in relief.
