Pena announced his retirement from professional baseball Monday in a post on his personal Twitter account.
After failing to win a spot on the Tigers' Opening Day roster out of spring training, the 36-year-old backstop was reassigned to the minors, but never saw action with any affiliate. Pena first reached the majors in 2005 and served mostly as a backup over parts of 12 seasons with the Braves, Royals, Tigers, Reds and Cardinals, accruing a .259/.299/.351 slash line and 23 home runs for his career. With his playing days behind him, Pena is slated to transition to the coaching ranks. He'll serve as the skipper for one of the Tigers' rookie-ball squads this summer, according to George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press.
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Tigers' Brayan Pena: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
Pena was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday.
There was some talk earlier that Pena could make the team as a third catcher, but he will start the year at Triple-A Toledo instead. James McCann will be the starter with John Hicks, Derek Norris and Jarrod Saltalamacchia still competing for the No. 2 job.
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Tigers' Brayan Pena: Could make roster as third catcher
Rotowire
Pena or Derek Norris could make the Tigers' Opening Day roster as a third catcher, behind starter James McCann and John Hicks, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
New Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire often carried three catchers when he managed the Twins, and he's talked about the idea in Detroit. "If you have that luxury, it's really nice," Gardenhire said. "I've had that before. That's a really nice luxury to have. But I don't know if we have that here right now." Pena is a ways away from having an everyday role with the Tigers and didn't appear in the majors in 2017, but he could be an insurance policy in case anything happens to McCann.
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Tigers' Brayan Pena: Gets minor-league deal with Tigers
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Pena signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Monday, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports.
Pena, who spent all of last season in the minors after failing to break camp with the Royals, last appeared in the majors in 2016, when he struggled to a .154/.214/.231 line during a brief stint (nine games) with the Cardinals. He should get a chance to compete for the Tigers' backup catching gig in spring training, though he's more likely destined for a role as organizational catching depth in 2018.
Royals' Brayan Pena: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
Pena was reassigned to minor-league camp on Tuesday, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.
He was not believed to be a serious threat to Drew Butera for the backup catcher gig, and indeed Pena will begin the year offering organizational depth at Triple-A.
Royals' Brayan Pena: Signs minor league deal with Kansas City
Rotowire
Pena agreed to a minor-league deal with the Royals on Tuesday, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.
Pena's deal includes an invite to major league spring training, where he'll presumably compete with Drew Butera for backup catching duties behind primary backstop Salvador Perez. Butera's presence on the 40-man roster confers him an advantage over Pena, but the 35-year-old does at least have familiarity working in his favor after previously spending parts of four seasons in the Royals organization. The switch-hitting Pena appeared in nine games at the big-league level for the Cardinals in 2016, going 2-of-13 at the dish.
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Brayan Pena: Released by Cardinals
Rotowire
Pena was released by the Cardinals on Monday.
He was recently designated for assignment, and the two sides opted to part ways so that Pena could pursue another opportunity. Pena typically straddles the line of being a replacement-level player, and he could get an opportunity with a team in need of catching depth, although he's unlikely to serve in more than a reserve role.
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Cardinals' Brayan Pena: Designated for assignment
Rotowire
Pena was designated for assignment on Monday.
The Cardinals needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster after signing reliever Brett Cecil to a four-year deal, and Pena was a logical casualty. He is obviously behind Yadier Molina and was recently passed on the organizational depth chart by Carson Kelly. Look for Pena to serve as catching depth at the Triple-A level if he remains in the organization.
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Cardinals' Brayan Pena: Activated from DL
Rotowire
Pena (knee) was activated from the 60-day DL on Sunday.
Now presumably healthy, Pena will compete with Alberto Rosario for reps behind the rarely-rested Yadier Molina. Don't expect much offense from the 34-year-old Pena, as the veteran owns a .648 OPS over his last three seasons.
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Cardinals' Brayan Pena: Ready for rehab assignment
Rotowire
Pena (knee) will begin a rehab assignment at High-A Palm Beach on Friday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.
Pena's season has been filled with injuries, so much so that he's only played in four games. During his limited action, he's managed to go just 1-for-8 at the plate. Upon his activation from the DL, Pena will return to his role as Yadier Molina's backup.
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Cardinals' Brayan Pena: Placed on 15-day DL
Rotowire
Pena was placed on the 15-day DL on Wednesday with left knee inflammation.
The Cardinals will lose some catching depth behind Yadier Molina, but other than that this shouldn't have much of an impact on their lineup. The 34-year-old had appeared in just four games this season, slashing .125/.222/.125 while failing to tally a run or RBI. Alberto Rosario was called up in a corresponding move.
