Jose Valverde has been designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers.
Valverde struggled at the end of the 2012 season and the Tigers opted to replace him in the closers role to start this season. The team would eventually sign him to a minor league deal and return him to the closers role where he pitched well initially.
Things got rough for Valverde recently as he blew two saves and compiled a 13.50 ERA over his last eight appearances. The Tigers replaced him in the closers role with Joaquin Benoit.
Al Alburquerque has been recalled from Triple-A to take Valverde’s roster spot. Alburquerque has racked up strikeout and walks between stops with the Tigers and Triple-A Toledo.
There should be some interest in him around the league but his days of being a top end closer are done.
