The signing connects Garcia's summer-long comeback attempt with a destination, albeit a team whose playoff hopes have faded over the past couple weeks. Detroit entered play Tuesday in third place in the American League Central, eight games behind the division-leading Twins, but they've seen pitching as the key to staying in contention.
The 33-year-old Garcia went 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 11 starts with the Phillies last year before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum. He has spent this year working his way back into pitching shape, which culminated in a mound session last week before scouts from about 15 teams. His fastball reportedly topped out in the mid to upper 80s.
He still has some ways to go before being ready for a big-league game, hence the Minor League contract. His agent, Peter Greenberg, has told various publications that Garcia should be ready by the start of September. For now, he'll pitch in the Tigers farm system. He can be a free agent at year's end, but given the Tigers' pitching situation, Detroit could try to re-sign him if it likes what it sees.
Garcia has a 117-76 record in 263 games over nine Major League seasons with the Mariners, White Sox and Phillies. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, he is a close friend of Tigers third baseman Carlos Guillen among Detroit's Venezuelan players.
In addition, the Tigers have promoted left-hander Dontrelle Willis from Class A Lakeland to Triple-A Toledo. The left-hander will pitch for the Mud Hens on Friday.
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