Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers Claim Pitcher Off Waivers From Los Angeles Angels

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Sam Connon | Last updated 2/5/24

The Detroit Tigers have claimed left-handed pitcher Kolton Ingram off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels, the team announced Monday.

In order to make room for Ingram on the 40-man roster, the Tigers designated infielder Nick Maton for assignment. Detroit also announced that right-handed pitcher Devin Sweet had cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo, a week after they designated him for assignment.

This marks a reunion of sorts for Ingram and the Tigers, who selected the southpaw in the 37th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Columbus State.

The Tigers have announced the following roster moves:

*Claimed LHP Kolten Ingram off waivers from Los Angeles (AL)
*Designated INF Nick Maton for assignment
*RHP Devin Sweet cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple A Toledo
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) February 5, 2024

Detroit released Ingram in July 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic had caused the entire minor league season to get shut down.

Ingram latched on with the Angels the following March. He worked his way up to Double-A by the end of 2021, and remained at that level for all of 2022. In 2023, Ingram got his first taste of Triple-A action, and even made his MLB debut in June.

In five big league appearances, Ingram posted an 8.44 ERA, 2.438 WHIP, 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings and a -0.2 WAR. Down in the minors, however, Ingram finished 2023 3-4 with a 2.95 ERA, 1.230 WHIP and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

Ingram is 11-8 with a 3.17 ERA, 1.153 WHIP and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings across 198.2 frames in his minor league career.

The Angels designated Ingram for assignment on Jan. 29 so they could free up enough space for free agent outfielder Aaron Hicks.

The 27-year-old, 5-foot-9 reliever is not currently projected to makes the Tigers' Opening Day roster, but Ingram's success at the highest minor league levels will help the club build steady organizational depth regardless.

Adding Ingram cost Detroit a versatile infielder in Maton, but he hit .173 with a .593 OPS and -1.5 WAR last year.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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