Detroit Michigan. The Detroit Tigers on Wednesday have activated to their 40 man roster former Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Joakim Soria from the 15 day disabled list.
The Tigers who are the defending American League Central Division champions are currently tied for first place with the Kansas City Royals. Soria has not pitched for the Tigers since early August due to a strain of his left oblique. Soria has pitched as a relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers since he made his debut in the Major Leagues in 2007.
Detroit Tigers first year manager Brad Ausmus said he intends to have Soria pitch in the late innings of baseball games at this time. Soria will be a welcome addition to the Tigers relief pitching staff for the remainder of the 2014 regular season.
If current Tigers closer Joe Nathan, 39, is unable to pitch effectively for the remainder of the current baseball season due to an injury to his right elbow, it is possible that Soria could replace him as the Tigers closer.
The Tigers are hosting the Kansas City Royals for a three game series that started on Monday at Comerica Park in Detroit. I am surprised that the Royals who ended in third place in the 2013 baseball season with a record of 86-76 are in contention to make a run for the postseason in 2014.
News sources: Beck’s Blog, Rotoworld and NBC Sports