Detroit Tigers catcher Donny Sands, who was designated for assignment on Dec. 22, has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo, the team announced Friday.
Due to the league’s Christmas break, Sands was placed in DFA limbo for a longer period of time than typical. However, his situation has since been settled, and he will continue to be associated with the Tigers organization even if he is no longer on the 40-man roster.In exchange for left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Philadelphia Phillies one year prior
Sands, who turns 28 in May, was one of three players obtained.Sands played in just three games as a pinch hitter in his Major League debut in 2022 with the Phillies. The New York Yankees selected the right-handed batter in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB draft, and he was converted from an infielder to a catcher. After 2021, he was dealt to the Phillies.In his lone season in the Phillies’ organization, Sands had a strong season, but he was unable to duplicate that success in 2023 with Triple-A Toledo. In 371 plate appearances with the Mud Hens, he hit.225 with a.671 OPS and five home runs.
It is now harder for Sands to get onto the roster than it was a year ago. The top two catchers for the Tigers in Detroit will be Carson Kelly and Jake Rogers. Dillon Dingler, a prospect that the team signed to the roster this winter, is anticipated to be the starting catcher in Toledo. Additionally, Anthony Bemboom, a seasoned catcher, has signed a minor league contract with the Tigers.Andrew Chafin, Tyler Holton, Tarik Skubal, and Joey Wentz are the four left-handed pitchers.
Beau Brieske, Miguel Diaz, Mason Englert, Alex Faedo, Jack Flaherty, Wilmer Flores, Jason Foley, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Alex Lange, Kenta Maeda, Matt Manning, Shelby Miller, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Reese Olson, Will Vest, and Brendan White are the pitchers now in the right-hand position (17).
