Miami Marlins Claim LHP Duane Below From Detroit Tigers

August 8, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Duane Below (64) pitches against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins claimed left hander Duane Below off of waivers from the Detroit Tigers earlier today. The move put the Marlins 40-man roster back at 40, according to Joe Capozzi on Twitter:

The Marlins will assign Below to Triple-A New Orleans, but he could become an option later in the season if the Marlins bullpen continues to struggle or if they need a left handed reliever.

The Tigers designated Below for assignment yesterday to make room on their roster for the recently signed Jose Valverde. Below was drafted by the Tigers in the 16th round during the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft.

Below pitched in the majors with the Tigers from 2011-12, he totaled 75 1/3 innings in those two seasons. Below has posted a 4.06 ERA, 5.1 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and 43.4 percent ground-ball rate in his brief major league career. Below has posted identical numbers to both right and left handed hitters, despite being a southpaw.

Prior to the beginning of the 2012 season, Baseball America noted, “Below’s stuff is average at best, but he throws strikes and has good feel for pitching.”  BA noted, “He fits best as a No. 5 starter or swingman.”