Villalobos signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Monday.
Villalobos made his MLB debut earlier this season with the Marlins, appearing in three games as a reliever and covering 4.1 innings before Miami optioned him back to the minors May 11. He was outrighted off the 40-man roster later that month and elected to become a free agent upon clearing waivers. Villalobos didn't take long to find a new opportunity with the Tigers, who assigned him to the rookie-level Florida Complex League after signing him. Before joining his new organization, Villalobos hadn't pitched since May 24, so he likely just needs some time to get ramped back up before eventually settling into a relief role with Detroit's Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.
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Marlins' Eli Villalobos: Booted from 40-man roster
Rotowire
Villalobos was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Monday.
The team needed to free up a spot on its 40-man roster for Xavier Edwards, who was activated from the 60-day injured list. Villalobos, 26, has allowed one run over 4.1 relief innings during his brief time with the big club this season.
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Marlins' Eli Villalobos: Contract selected
Rotowire
The Marlins selected Villalobos' contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday.
The right-hander was dropped from Miami's 40-man roster last summer but will now receive another look in the big leagues. Villalobos hasn't been particularly impressive at Triple-A this season with a 4.73 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over 13.1 innings.
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Marlins' Eli Villalobos: Outrighted to Double-A
Rotowire
Miami outrighted Villalobos to Double-A Pensacola on Wednesday.
Villalobos was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Monday and passed through waivers unclaimed. The 26-year-old reliever has yet to make his MLB debut.
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Pirates' Eli Villalobos: Dropped from 40-man roster
Rotowire
The Pirates designated Villalobos for assignment Monday.
Villalobos will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to catcher/outfielder Henry Davis, whom the Pirates called up from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. After being claimed off waivers from the Marlins in April, Villalobos pitched exclusively with Indianapolis, generating a 4.15 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 16 relief appearances.
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Pirates' Eli Villalobos: Claimed off waivers by PIT
Rotowire
Villalobos was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on Tuesday and optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Villalobos had been designated for assignment Sunday by the Marlins. The 25-year-old right-hander was off to an ugly start this season at Triple-A Jacksonville, but he posted a 2.86 ERA and 101:29 K:BB over 78.2 innings of relief between the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2022.
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Marlins' Eli Villalobos: Designated for assignment
Rotowire
The Marlins designated Villalobos for assignment Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
Designating Villabos for assignment clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Devin Smeltzer. The right-hander struggled to an 11.57 ERA over three appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp to open the Triple-A season. If unclaimed, Villalobos likely will remain with Miami as a bullpen option in Jacksonville.
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Marlins' Eli Villalobos: Dispatched to Triple-A
Rotowire
The Marlins optioned Villalobos to Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Villalobos was added to the Marlins' 40-man roster in November, but he'll miss out on a spot in the big club's Opening Day bullpen after giving up two runs on five hits -- including a pair of solo home runs -- and no walks over 4.2 innings in Grapefruit League play. The 27-year-old righty submitted a 2.86 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 101:29 K:BB while holding opposing batters to a .191 average over 78.2 innings in 2022 between stops at Jacksonville and Double-A Pensacola.
