Rival watch - Tigers trade for reliever

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Tigers added some help for their shaky bullpen Monday, acquiring reliever Jose Veras from the Houston Astros for minor league outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named.
Veras is 0-4 with a 2.93 ERA this season, and the 32-year-old right-hander has struck out 44 in 43 innings with only 14 walks.
Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski says the team is pleased to add an experienced arm to the bullpen.


Detroit entered the season with a lot of uncertainty at the closer spot, and although Joaquin Benoit has pitched well in that role of late, the AL Central-leading Tigers still needed bullpen depth. Aside from Benoit and Drew Smyly, none of their other relievers have been all that effective on a consistent basis.