Tigers agree to 2-year, $11M deal with Lowe

The Detroit Tigers took another step to fortify the back end of their bullpen, agreeing to a two-year, $11-million deal with right-hander Mark Lowe.

Lowe, 32, will likely slot into the set-up role for the Tigers in front of newly acquired closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Aside from the Oakland Athletics, the Tigers sported the worst bullpen ERA in the American League last season. The addition of Lowe should be an upgrade over Neftali Feliz and Al Alburquerque, who both hit free agency after not being tendered contracts, and Joe Nathan, who had his club option declined after making only one appearance in 2015.

After making just 18 appearances between 2013-14, the hard-throwing Lowe re-established himself with the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays last season. He earned a 1.96 ERA across 57 appearances, holding opposing hitters to a .231 average and striking out 10 batters per nine innings.