Two former pitchers for the Tigers agree to minor league terms
After becoming a free agent last week, veteran Detroit Tigers minor leaguer Jack O’Loughlin didn’t have to look far to find a new home.
The Oakland Athletics and the 23-year-old Australian native reached a minor-league agreement that includes an invitation to spring training.
O’Loughlin’s agent informed Oakland broadcaster Micha el Brdarand that he had offers from fifteen major league teams.
Since signing as a teenager in 2016, O’Loughlin has been a part of the Tigers organization. This summer, he was promoted straight to Triple-A Toledo from Class (A) advanced West Michigan, skipping Double-A.
The forceful promotion implied that he might be considered for the 40-man roster. Rather, the Tigers permitted him to become a free agent.
His excellent minor-league experience combined with his youth made him a desirable free-agent option.
Other news: Drew Carlton, a former right-hander for the Tigers, re-signed a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres.
For the Padres in 2023, Carlton was 2-1 with a 4.35 ERA in 20 2/3 innings pitched. Before being placed on the injured list, he had struck out 18 and walked six.
Carlton, 28, is a native of Lakeland, Florida, and was selected by the Tigers from Florida State in the 32nd round of the 2017 draft.
He produced outstanding results at every minor-league level, earning the Tigers’ brief big-league call-ups in 2021 and 2022. In his nine career appearances (12 1/3 innings) for the Tigers, he has a 2.92 ERA.
The Tigers designated Carlton for assignment in 2022, but he cleared waivers to end the season at Triple-A Toledo. Before the 2023 season, he signed a minor-league contract with the Padres. At the end of the season, he was outrighted after clearing waivers.
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James Rowson, a key member of the Detroit Tigers’ coaching staff, has reportedly moved to a new position with the New York Yankees, per a Detroit Free Press report. With this move, Rowson’s career will undergo a major upheaval as he leaves his role as the Tigers’ assistant hitting coach to become the Yankees’ hitting coach.
Rowson’s departure is a big gain for the Yankees and a loss for the Tigers. He is well-known for his friendship with Aaron Judge, a star player for the Yankees. His stellar resume includes positions with the Minnesota Twins as a hitting coach and the Miami Marlins as a bench coach. The Yankees, a team known for its hitting prowess, will now take advantage of his knowledge and experience.
With Micha el Brdarand Keith Beauregard still serving as the team’s primary hitting coaches, Rowson’s departure to the Yankees represents a strategic change for both the Tigers and the Yankees as a whole. As for manager A.J. Hinch, the Tigers will now need to evaluate whether to replace Rowson for the 2024 season.
