Luke Putkonen

Putkonen lost the 2014 season to injury. After earning a spot in the Tigers' bullpen for Opening Day, Putkonen was only able to make two appearances before elbow injuries sidelined him for much of the season. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in mid-June to remove a posterior osteophyte from his right elbow. The 28-year-old righty was able to work his way back towards a rehab stint in late-August, but Detroit opted to shut him down for the reminder of the season after he struggled in three appearances for Low-A West Michigan. Last time he was healthy, Putkonen did solid work out of the Tigers’ bullpen, posting a 3.03 ERA and 28:9 K:BB ratio in 29.2 innings during the 2013 season. Prior to his injury, the big (6-6, 217) righty possessed a fastball that would settle in around 94 mph, with the ability to reach up to 98 mph. He would also utilize a swing-and-miss curveball and sinker. The Tigers expect Putkonen to be ready when pitchers and catchers report. If he proves to be as effective as he was in 2013, Putkonen will be in the running for a bullpen spot on Opening Day.