Report: Tigers interested in Ziegler, D-backs likely to keep him
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After reports on Friday indicated the Detroit Tigers were interested in Texas Rangers closer Joakim Soria, it appears the team has a new target in their sights.
The Tigers are reportedly interested in adding 34-year-old right-hander Brad Ziegler to their bullpen, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi:
Sources: Tigers have inquired on availability of DBacks reliever Brad Ziegler, but Arizona seems inclined to keep him.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 19, 2014
Ziegler has put up a 2.37 ERA in 49 1/3 innings of action this season. His 8.03 strikeouts per nine innings represents a career high, and his 67.7 percent ground ball rate ranks third in the league. The side-arm pitcher has also shown a remarkable ability to keep the ball down this year.
In 2014, Ziegler has thrown 657 pitches. Just 1% (SIX!) were in the top third of the zone. http://t.co/5DYX0rcP7b pic.twitter.com/PAMjHRbZBb
— Ryan P. Morrison (@InsidetheZona) July 16, 2014
Ziegler makes $4.5 million this season. He will be under team control for the next two years, earning $5 million in 2015, with a $5.5-million team option for 2016 with a $1-million buyout.