Baseball may be America’s pastime but that does not mean the Detroit Tigers are not checking all countries when it comes to finding the talent they believe can help their organization move forward.
In this case, Canada happens to be the country of focus as the Tigers have reportedly purchased the contract of Phillippe Aumont from the Ottawa Champions of the Independent Canadian-American League.
BREAKING 🗞️ | The Champions have sold the contract of RHP Phillippe Aumont to Detroit (MLB). Congrats Phil!
More to come… pic.twitter.com/MNJJk6B932
— ⚾ (@baseball52395) December 18, 2017
Aumont, who is 28-years-old, was originally selected by the Seattle Mariners with the 11th pick of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft. He never pitched for the Mariners as he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in a deal that involved Cliff Lee.
In four seasons (2012-2015) with the Phillies, Aumont pitched in a total of 46 games, posting a 6.80 ERA in 43.2 innings of work.
From the Detroit News:
He has toggled from starting to bullpen roles throughout his career, but since leaving the Phillies has been a starter. He was 5-8 with a 4.51 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 17 starts last season. He also pitched a no-hitter against a team from the Dominican Republic.
He features a mid-90s fastball with a power curve ball. He has fought command and consistency throughout his career. In his four big-league seasons he averaged 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings and 7.0 walks per nine. In his minor-league career, he’s averaged 5.8 walks and 9.9 strikeout per nine innings.
It is doubtful Aumont will be invited to the Tigers big-league camp this spring. It appears his signing was to add pitching depth at the Triple-A level.
One thing is for certain, if Aumont ever wants to find himself in the Major Leagues once again, he will really have to cut down on the walks.
