*Photo from the Detroit News*
The Detroit Tigers have signed RHP Jose Urena to a one year, $3.25 million deal, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. Urena's contract also includes an additional $50,000 in bonuses that trigger for games started. Urena was non-tendered by the Miami Marlins at the beginning of December. The Tigers have confirmed the deal.
Urena struggled in the short 2020 season, pitching to an 0-3 record with a 5.40 ERA, striking out 15 hitters over 23 1/3 innings pitched in 5 starts for the Marlins. In his 6 major league seasons, all spent with the Marlins, Urena has a 32-46 record with a 4.60 ERA, throwing 597 innings in 142 appearances over 6 seasons, 98 of which were starts.
Tigers GM Al Avila said of Urena's signing that "Once José became available, we had him identified as a player that could come in and help our ballclub win games, we're excited to add his experience pitching at a high level, and know he’ll contribute to our young staff in significant ways. José has a great ability to navigate a lineup and limit damage, while keeping his team in the game, which is exactly the stability we’re looking for heading into the 2021 season."
In his time with the Marlins, Urena served as both a starter and a reliever. Urena was the opening day starter for a few years with the Marlins, and he also served briefly as the closer, with 4 career saves to his name. Urena's last start of 2020 ended with a ulna fracture in his right forearm, but Urena is expected to be ready for spring training.
Urena is expected to compete for a rotation spot with the Tigers when spring training begins, joining incumbent starters Matthew Boyd, Spencer Turnbull, and Michael Fulmer, along with top prospects Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize.
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