Tigers Grant P Zack Godley Unconditional Release

Zack Godley with Diamondbacks in 2019. Photo by Chris Brown/CSM/Shutterstock (10325108ab)

The Detroit Tigers, currently in the midst of preparations for the abbreviated 2020 season which will kick off on July 24th, announced on Monday that they had granted right-handed starting pitcher Zack Godley his unconditional release from the team.

Godley, who established himself as a key, successful member of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting rotation in 2017 and 2018, had a difficult season last year. He rotated between the starting rotation and the bullpen in Arizona before being traded later on in the season to Toronto.

The former Tennessee Volunteer posted a bloated 5.97 ERA in 33 games last season, struggling to find the form that had made him a quality mid-rotation starter the previous two seasons.

Godley posted a 23-20 record in 2017 and 2018 along with a 4.10 ERA in 57 starts.

The 30-year-old player righty signed a minor league deal with an invitation to Big League camp for the lowly Tigers, but decided that he would rather pursue opportunities elsewhere after reporting to Detroit earlier this month. Godley asked the team for his release, and the request was granted on Monday.

Godley could be an intriguing rotation option for several teams which are looking for quality starting pitching depth. The Red Sox have been mentioned as a potential fit for Godley, as they have plenty of camp spots open and could use some more starting pitching options.

Expect Godley to sign on with a new team later on this week.