Tigers Release Former Angels Pitcher Before Spring Training Even Starts

A former Angels pitcher is now a free agent.

Former Los Angeles Angels left-handed pitcher José Álvarez was released by the Detroit Tigers earlier this month.

The Tigers have released LHP Jose Alvarez.

The 34-year-old signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers last spring as he rehabbed from Tommy John surgery.

Alvarez has spent parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues, pitching for four different teams, including the Tigers in 2013.

— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) February 1, 2024

Álvarez pitched for the Angels from 2014-2018 and signed a minor league contract with the Tigers in 2023. He spent the entire year recovering from Tommy John surgery and was released before getting the opportunity to play again for Detroit.

Álvarez originally started his career with the Tigers, where he made his Major League debut after spending seven years in the minor leagues.

The Tigers traded Álvarez to the Angels, which was the longest stop of his major league career. He had his best season with the Angels in 2018, posting a 6-4 record and a 2.71 ERA. 

Following his time with the Angels, Álvarez spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and then two seasons with the San Francisco Giants.

Throughout his career, Álvarez has recorded a 22-25 record, 3.47 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 360 strikeouts. 

Now, Álvarez is a free agent with just 10 days remaining before the start of Spring Training. Ideally, for the 34-year-old pitcher, he'll get signed to another team soon and get another opportunity to play for the first time since 2022.