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| Dontrelle Willis looked great on the mound against Houston on Thursday, failing to surrender a hit while issuing just one walk with two strikeouts over three scoreless innings. |
Our View: Willis still has a whole lot to prove before gaining the trust of fantasy owners, but at least this is a start. If he's able to stay healthy and in the right mindset he could very well earn the final spot in Detroit's starting rotation, as he clearly has the talent to do so.
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| Dontrelle Willis allowed just one run and four hits in three innings of work against the Yankees on Saturday. More importantly, he issued just one free pass. |
Our View: His spring ERA is now a sparkling 1.29. He might finally be ready to crack, and stay in, Detroit's starting rotation this season.
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| Dontrelle Willis hyperextended his left elbow during a quick pickoff throw Monday, according to MLBblogs.com. |
Our View: Wills believes he is fine, and expects to play catch Tuesday. It sounds minor, but you can never be too sure with the oft-injured hurler. He has been pitching well though, and could potentially win a spot at the bottom of Detroit's rotation if he proves to be OK.
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| Dontrelle Willis recently admitted that he pitched with a "serious lack of confidence" in 2009, and that he is now back to simply trying to have fun when he pitches, according to the Detroit Free Press. |
Our View: "I lost confidence in myself," Willis said. "I can admit that to myself now." He thinks he found the answer to what ailed him this offseason at the Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona, and will likely at least be given a chance to earn a rotation spot this spring. Stay tuned.
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| According to the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit Tigers do not plan to call up starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis before the regular season is out. There is some speculation that the team will dump Willis after this season and eat the remaining $12 million owed to him. |
Our View: The D-Train has had yet another season to forget in 2009, and it is starting to look like we may neve see the old Dontrelle again. Anxiety issues are nothing to mess around with, and we wish him nothing but the best in the fuure.
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| Dontrelle Willis (anxiety disorder, knee) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Toledo on Sunday night, according to MLBlogs.com. |
Our View: Regardless of what happens on Sunday, Willis will not be a contributing member of the Tigers' rotation in 2009.
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| Dontrelle Willis exited Wednesday's rehab start with Triple-A Toledo in the second inning with an apparent right knee injury, according to MLBblogs.com. Willis allowed a run on a hit over 1.1 innings with a walk and a strikeout prior to leaving. |
Our View: Willis suffered yet another setback, making his return to Detroit this season more unlikely. He is not worth holding in fantasy leagues right now.
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| According to MLBlogs.com, Tigers' starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been scratched from his Wednesday rehab start in Triple-A Toledo due to a hip injury. There is no timetable set for a return to the mound for Willis. |
Our View: Willis was supposed to make his rehab start Monday, but it got pushed back to Wednesday when he complained of hip soreness. Apparently the injury is bad enough to put the rehab on hold, because no announcement has been made on when his next start will be. We will keep you updated, but don't expect him to pitch in the majors again this season.
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| Dontrelle Willis (recurring anxiety disorder) is set to start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo Monday, according to the Detroit Free Press. |
Our View: Willis holds a dismal 7.49 ERA over 33.2 innings (seven starts) with Detroit this season, and should not be expected to help fantasy owners if he returns.
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| MLB.com reports that anxious starter Dontrelle Willis continues to pitch in Triple-A and is hopeful he will return before the end of the season. |
Our View: The D-Train has already been DLed twice for "anxiety" this season, so we won't hold our breath as far as a comeback is concerned, but the pitcher has displayed a good attitude. "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade," Willis chirped. He is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Friday that will stretch him out to about 90 pitches. His performance should help determine a reasonable return date.
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| Dontrelle Willis has been placed on the 15-day DL due to his anxiety disorder, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Alfredo Figaro is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take Willis' next scheduled turn in the rotation Saturday against Milwaukee. Willis will not be missed in fantasy leagues as he holds a 1-4 record with a poor 7.49 ERA and 1.93 WHIP over 33.2 innings. The Tigers did not speculate when Willis may return to the team.
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| Updating an earlier report, Dontrelle Willis will not make his next scheduled start in the Tigers' rotation, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: He was slated to pitch Saturday against the Brewers. He lost his spot in the rotation due to a poor 7.49 ERA and 1.93 WHIP over 33.2 innings. Skipper Jim Leyland is yet to comment on Willis' future with the club.
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| The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Tigers' owner Mike Ilitch has told GM Dave Dombrowski to "do whatever it takes to improve the team, even if it means adding salary." With starter Dontrelle Willis struggling, the Tigers may look to add a starting pitcher to take his spot in the rotation. |
Our View: Ilitch is pleased the Tigers are in first place, and it sounds like he wants to keep them there. The team is in need of another bat with Carlos Guillen's shoulder looking like it might keep him out all year, but at this point the most pressing need seems to be anyone who can take over for Willis. Look for the Tigers to be active as we approach the trade deadline.
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| Dontrelle Willis was wild again on Sunday in the Tigers' 6-3 loss to the Pirates. Willis went 3.2 innings and allowed six runs on six hits while walking eight and striking out one. |
Our View: The D-Train might have just pitched his way out of the Tigers' rotation. It's hard to believe the Tigers can keep throwing him out there when he is pitching like this, but if they don't have another option then he could stay in the rotation. Fantasy owners should stay away at all cost right now.
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| The Detroit Free Press reports that Dontrelle Willis will start on Sunday. Jeremy Bonderman has been moved to the bullpen. |
Our View: Willis has walked 10 batters in his last 7.1 innings of work and he has allowed 15 runs in his last 12.1 innings. He is not a good fantasy option.
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| After one excellent start and one shaky start to begin his return to the majors, Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis finally imploded on Thursday, surrendering five earned runs in 2.1 innings while walking five batters and hitting another. Three of his walks walked in runners. |
Our View: After breezing through the first two innings on Thursday, things just completely unraveled for the tortured pitcher in the third. Where the Tigers go from here with him is uncertain. If there is any silver lining, he complained about the strike zone on his way out and manager Jim Leyland was eventually ejected for doing the same thing. Still, at this point he must be considered fantasy poison and an absolute non start.
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| After a surprisingly strong start to the season, Dontrelle Willis got rocked on Friday. He allowed seven runs on ten hits and two walks over just five innings and fell to 1-2 on the season as the Tigers got flattened by the Orioles 7-2. |
Our View: Willis' ERA jumped from 3.57 to 5.56 after this disappointing performance and he shouldn't be considered an option outside of AL-only leagues. He's still just too risky at this point.
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| Dontrelle Willis was tagged with the loss on Sunday as the Tigers fell to the Rockies 3-1. Willis went 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out four. |
Our View: D-Train wasn't terrible today, but he also wasn't nearly as good as he was in his last start. The four walks is a bit high, especially considering his history, but the fact that he went into the seventh is a good sign.
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| Dontrelle Willis was outstanding on Tuesday in his second start of the season as the Tigers beat the Rangers 4-0. Willis went 6.1 innings and did not allow a run on five hits while walking two and striking out five. |
Our View: Wow. This start comes as a big surprise from the D-Train. To make it even more impressive, he did it against a very good Rangers' lineup. Willis may be worth a look after this start, but it may be wise to give him at least one more start before pouncing on him.
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| Dontrelle Willis was not impressive in his first start of the season on Wednesday. He allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks over just four innings and did not strike out a batter. He didn't factor in the decision though as the Tigers fell to the Twins 14-10 in 13 innings. |
Our View: Looks like even if Willis has his head screwed on straight now, his arm has yet to catch up. This was a bad first outing to add on to his brief but miserable career as a Tiger. Don't bother with him unless he shows consistent signs of improvement down the stretch.
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| Dontrelle Willis (anxiety disorder) has been activated from the disabled list by the Tigers, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Willis is slated to make his first start of the season tonight against the Twins. Willis was a grave disappointment in his first season with Detroit in 2008 as he allowed 25 earned runs and 35 walks over 24 innings, and is only worth targeting as a flier for AL-only and deeper mixed leagues. He won 22 games with Florida in 2005.
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| Dontrelle Willis will return to the Tigers rotation and make his first start of the 2009 season on Wednesday, according to the Detroit Free Press. Zach Miner will return to the Tigers bullpen. Willis has been on the disabled list since March 29 with an anxiety disorder. |
Our View: Willis has been a disaster ever since joining the Tigers prior to last season. He did not have a good spring training, but did fair decently in two starts with Triple-A Toledo. He went 7.2 innings and allowed two runs in Wednesday's outing. We suggest you take a wait and see approach regarding Willis, as odds are that he will not have a good, consistent season with the Tigers.
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| Dontrelle Willis, making his second rehab appearance in Triple-A, gave up to runs over 7.2 innings, according to MLive. Despite throwing 74 of his 118 pitches for strikes, Willis still walked four batters while striking out five. |
Our View: Willis had a 3.55 ERA in his two appearances with the Mudhens, but it remains to be seen what the Tigers will do with the wayward lefty for the remainder of the 2009 season. For now, don't concern yourself with the answer to the question because it only matters if you are in a 16-team AL-only league.
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| The Detroit News suggests that Dontrelle Willis (anxiety disorder) could return to the Tigers by next week. His rehab assignment has been transferred to Triple-A Toledo following a solid outing with Double-A Erie. |
Our View: Willis won 22 games with Florida in 2005, and is worth a look as a flier for deeper AL-only leagues in case he works his way into the Tigers' rotation. The club currently leads the AL Central with a 11-8 record.
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| Dontrelle Willis enjoyed a solid outing Sunday with Double-A Erie as he allowed three hits and two runs over six innings against Harrisburg, according to the Detroit News. He is dealing with an anxiety disorder. |
Our View: This is another step forward in his bid to return to the Tigers. He is worth stashing in deeper AL-only leagues in case he gets another shot to serve in the rotation.
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| Dontrelle Willis is slated to start Sunday at Double-A Erie, according to the Detroit Free Press. GM Dave Dombrowski said, "His progress is still being guided not only by his performance, but by the doctors, so we will see what the doctors have to say." |
Our View: Willis is on the DL while dealing with an anxiety disorder. He is only worth stashing as a flier for deeper AL-only leagues, in case he works his way back into the Tigers' rotation.
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| The Detroit News is reporting that Dontrelle Willis will begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday in Lakeland. Willis has been on the DL since March 29 with social anxiety disorder. |
Our View: Willis could be an interesting case if he comes back to the Tigers at some point this season. He threw 62 pitches, 48 of them strikes, in his extended spring training appearance last week. Don't go jumping back on the Dontrelle bandwagon if he gets called up, but keep an eye on him. He could be a steal of a pickup if he can return to his old self.
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| Dontrelle Willis has reportedly been placed on the DL with a social anxiety disorder, but experts have disputed the fact that such a condition could be discovered via a blood test as has been reported, according to The Washington Post. "There's no anxiety disorder, no psychiatric disorders, which are diagnosed by blood tests," said Taft Parsons, medical director of the Kingswood Hospital. |
Our View: We aren't doctors, and we didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but saying you can detect an anxiety disorder through a blood test does seem odd. If the situation is determined to be less than accurate, there is a chance that MLB could revoke Willis' DL stint forcing the club to do something else with their wild lefty.
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| Dontrelle Willis has been placed on the 15-day DL by the Tigers due to an anxiety disorder, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Willis surrendered 15 runs (12 earned), 17 hits and seven walks over a mere 8.2 innings in the Grapefruit League. Willis should only be considered as a flier for deeper AL-only leagues.
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| One major-league scout commented that Tigers starter Dontrelle Willis "might be done," while an AL personnel chief said, "He has no idea where the ball is going," according to the New York Post. |
Our View: Willis pitched in only eight games because of injury last season, but perhaps it was better with him on the bench. When he was on the mound, the former NL Rookie of the Year allowed 25 earned runs on 18 hits in 24 innings.
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| Dontrelle Willis remained consistently terrible in his 2.2 innings of work on Thursday. He allowed seven hits, two walks, and four earned runs, while striking out just one batter. |
Our View: That makes 17 hits, seven walks and 15 runs allowed by Dontrelle in 8.2 innings this spring. He seems ticketed for the minor leagues, and holds zero fantasy value.
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| ESPN.com reports that Dontrelle Willis is not likely in the mix to be the Tigers' fifth starter this season. |
Our View: In six innings this spring, he has allowed 10 hits, five walks, 10 runs, and struck out three hitters. He is due to make $22 million over the next two seasons, and if he declined to go to the minors he would have to forfeit that money. Don't count on him doing so.
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| Dontrelle Willis gave up four runs on four hits and two walks in the Tigers 10-4 win over the Blue Jays on Saturday. |
Our View: Willis is battling for the fifth starter's job, but at this point of the spring, he has given them every reason to not give it to him. Over six innings, he has allowed 10 hits and five walks, to go with eight earned runs. Don't count on seeing Dontrelle in the opening day rotation.
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| Dontrelle Willis struggled in his spring debut Friday against the Blue Jays, as he allowed two earned runs and only threw 25 strikes out of 43 pitches, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: Willis has potential to bounce back this season, but should only be drafted as a flier in the later rounds of fantasy drafts to be safe.
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| Tigers starter Dontrelle Willis drew rave reviews from manager Jim Leyland after Willis participated in a live batting practice session Tuesday, according to MLB.com. "He looked really good," Leyland said. "Good life, good movement, throwing strikes. He looks tremendous right now, to be honest with you." |
Our View: Willis' next scheduled outing is Friday afternoon, when he'll face the Toronto Blue Jays.
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| Tigers' pitching coach Rick Knapp has been very pleased with Dontrelle Willis so far, according to MLB.com. Knapp said, "He has been awesome. His side sessions, I have not really had to get too involved with him at all. He is a man on a mission. He really looks like he's locked in on being everything he is supposed to be. Who knows whatever happens over the course of a year? It willl just take me some time to get to know him a little bit better as a player and as a person. But I have liked what I have seen so far."
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Our View: Willis may not rejoin the elite class among fantasy hurlers this season, but could still have a solid comeback campaign, making him worthy of a flier in mixed leagues. He will be competing with Nate Robertson and Zach Miner for the fifth spot in the rotation.
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| Dontrelle Willis is relaxed and in great shape heading into spring camp, according to the Detroit News. He is five pounds lighter and ready to bounce back from a disappointing 2008 campaign that was spoiled by a nagging knee injury. He said, "I am ready to have fun this year and I am pleased to be employed again. I am happy, but not content. I know I can help this ballclub. It is a great place to play. The sky is the limit for this team, and everybody seems ready to go." |
Our View: His knee has healed and pitching coach Rick Knapp noted that he looks terrific. Willis will be competing for a rotation spot with Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Edwin Jackson, Armando Galarraga, Nate Robertson and potentially Zach Miner. The former fantasy stud will be on our radar through spring training.
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| Dontrelle Willis is looking forward to fighting for a job in spring training, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Willis looks healthy and focused for a run at returning to the major leagues this season. The former 20-game winner is looking to regain the form that used to make him a fantasy stud.
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| MLive.com reports that Dontrelle Willis believes that the addition of catcher Matt Treanor to the Tigers may help him improve. Willis' best seasons came when working with the catcher. |
Our View: Willis has been working hard in the offseason in an attempt to re-discover his major league success. Keep a close eye on him this spring, as he still has a chance to crack the team's rotation.
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| Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis went through a more rigorous offseason conditioning program that saw him shed pounds, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: Maybe the better conditioning will lead to a better season for Willis, because he certainly couldn't be worse than he was in 2008, when he walked 35 hitters in 24.0 innings.
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| Dontrelle Willis is working out at home to strengthen his lower body after a hyperextended knee in April was to blame for a disappointing 2008 campaign, according to the Hot Stove Blog on MLB.com. |
Our View: There was news circulating that the Red Sox were considering trading shortstop Julio Lugo to Detroit for either Willis or Nate Robertson. Deals were reportedly progressing, but nothing is imminent. Willis is aiming to report to training camp in the best shape of his life, making him a potential comeback player of the year candidate.
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| Tigers lefty Dontrelle Willis wasn't terrible, going 5.1 innings, allowing three earned runs while walking three and striking out five in Detroit's 4-3 win over Tampa. |
Our View: At least Willis got his ERA under 10.00 for the season. He was a nightmare for both fantasy owners - who forgot about him sometime in May - and the Tigers, who can't forget about him because of the tens of millions they owe him.
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| Tigers lefty Dontrelle Willis says he will pitch winter ball if the team desires him to, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Willis has been hideous this season, walking a completely ridiculous 15.43 batters per nine innings. He has to do something to regain the control he once had, so he'll give winter ball a shot.
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| Dontrelle Willis was horrendous for the Tigers, taking the loss while going just 2.1 innings, giving up five hits and walking six in Detroit's 10-5 loss to the Indians. |
Our View: Willis has been a disaster to end all disasters this season, and whether he ever gets it back is a question that needs to be considered.
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| In his first start since being called back up to the majors, Dontrelle Willis at least made it to the fifth inning. In his five innings Willis gave up three runs on only two hits. |
Our View: One of the problems Willis had before being sent down was his control and Monday night wasn't much different, as he walked five in five innings.
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| Dontrelle Willis will start for the Tigers against the Rangers next Monday, the MLB.com reports. |
Our View: We have nothing to suggest Willis will be successful. His minor league numbers have been ugly, and Rangers fans sitting in the front row might want to wear helmets.
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| Dontrelle Willis threw between 75 and 80 pitches Monday afternoon in a simulated game, according to MLive.com. The club remains uncertain when he will be able to return to the Tigers, but Willis said, "It was good work. I had good command and threw some good changeups. Last time, I did not throw good changeups."
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Our View: Manager Jim Leyland felt he displayed better velocity Monday than he did in his previous outing, but Willis is unlikely to help fantasy owners claim their league title if and when he returns.
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| Jim Leyland said he hoped that Dontrelle Willis would be able to start for the Tigers before the season is over according to the AP. He threw a simulated game on Tuesday in which he hit 94 mph on the radar gun. |
Our View: Willis was a disaster in April and has had a tumultuous season in the minors. He now finally appears like he may be nearing his major league comeback.
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| Dontrelle Willis hurled a 72-pitch simulated game Tuesday, and is scheduled for another one Monday, according to the Detroit News. Manager Jim Leyland was pleased with his outing and said, "I was very happy with Dontrelle. I thought he was a little tentative at the beginning, but began to throw free and easy. He popped the ball very well and got better as he went on. He hit 94 on the gun, pitched around 91. His delivery was much more controlled. I also thought he looked pretty confident. Some of his pitches were exploding late, which is a good sign."
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Our View: Leyland may be pleased, but remains uncertain if the Tigers should bring him back this season, and what role to designate him with.
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| Dontrelle Willis will be back in the major leagues after spending much of the season in the minors, as he will be recalled from Triple-A on Monday, according to MLive.com. |
Our View: Willis was 3-4 with a 4.47 ERA with 25 walks in 56.1 innings. That is an improvement over the 21 people he walked in 11.1 innings in the majors, but you should not trust him on your fantasy roster.
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| Dontrelle Willis left Monday's start at Triple-A Toledo after one inning because of tightness in his left forearm, and the team is yet to update his status, according to the Detroit Free Press. He threw 15 pitches (12 strikes) and allowed one earned run and two hits.
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Our View: Willis suffered yet another setback, and is not worth keeping on fantasy rosters with continued uncertainty that he will return this season.
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| Manager Jim Leyland commented as to whether or not he thinks Dontrelle Willis will return to the Tigers when rosters expand in September, according to the Detroit Free Press. Leyland said, "That's been discussed. Would it be nice if Dontrelle would be able to pitch for us in September? Yes. Is that going to happen? I can't answer that. That was discussed last night with Dave Dombrowski, the general manager, and we're not sure what might be best for Dontrelle at this point. We don't know."
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Our View: Willis has not fared well in the minors, and is not worth keeping on fantasy rosters with continued uncertainty that he will return this season.
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| The Detroit Tigers will need another starter now that they have sent Nate Robertson to the bullpen, but it won't be Dontrelle Willis, according to Tigers.com. When asked if Willis was a possibility, Tigers manager Jim Leyland said, "I would say the answer to that, as we speak, is 100 percent no." |
Our View: Leyland squashed that idea soundly. Willis has been okay as he has worked his way through the Tigers minor league system, but clearly has not done enough for the team to allow him to return. Don't even think about picking him up on fantasy squads should Willis eventually pitch in the big leagues this year.
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| Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis went six innings, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out five and walking two in his start in Triple-A Toledo, according to the Detroit Free-Press. |
Our View: Willis' fastball was between 88-90 MPH, which is acceptable, and his control seems improved, as two walks is much better than what he had been dishing out. There is still no timetable for his return.
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| The Tigers have promoted Dontrelle Willis from Class A Lakeland to Triple-A Toledo, putting him in line to start for the Mud Hens on Friday at Richmond, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Tigers officials cautioned that there's still no timetable for a return to the big leagues this season. Though Willis has lost each of his previous three starts, the 26-year-old left-hander has looked and pitched more like a veteran pitcher in his previous few starts after accepting an option to Lakeland in June. He lasted 7 1/3 innings in his previous start on Sunday, taking a 2-1 game into the eighth before giving up a leadoff homer and a walk that later scored. He scattered six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. One start earlier, he gave up four runs on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings, but didn't walk anyone while striking out six. Willis finished his Lakeland stint with an 0-3 record and 4.50 ERA in six outings, five of them starts. He gave up 30 hits over 28 innings with 11 walks and 18 strikeouts. He made three rehab starts for the Mud Hens in April while trying to work his way back from a hyperextended right knee, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.41 ERA with 16 hits and seven walks allowed over 16 1/3 innings.
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| Dontrelle Willis is 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA after five games with the Class A Lakeland Tigers, but is believed to be making progress, according to MLive.com. Detroit pitching coach Chuck Hernandez said, "He is making progress. I talked for a half hour to Lakeland pitching coach Joe Coleman, who says he is throwing strikes and that his command is better. He's repeating his delivery much better."
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Our View: This is encouraging news regarding his control, but there remains to target date as to when he may return to the Tigers.
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| Dontrelle Willis went five innings, allowing one earned run in his start for Single-A Lakeland on Thursday. He struck out three batters, but also walked three. |
Our View: Willis is still having minor control issues, and in his past three starts, he has thrown 12.1 innings, walking six batters and allowing five earned runs. His return to the Tigers will likely be on hold until he shows better consistency.
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| Dontrelle Willis fared well in his rehab start at Single-A Lakeland on Thursday, as he only allowed one run over three innings, according to the Detroit Free Press. Most importantly, his control was solid, as he did not issue a walk. |
Our View: This was a positive step in his bid to return to the Tigers.
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| Dontrelle Willis will alter his famous delivery in an attempt to better his mechanics, according to the Detroit Free-Press. "When you're trying to change your mechanics, you have to take it one day at a time," Willis said. |
Our View: This was probably a change he needed to make sooner, as his career has been going south for a few years now. This year he has been downright hideous, throwing strikes with such irregularity, Activia yogurt wouldn't have helped him. Fantasy owners should continue to stay away until he once again proves he is a major league quality pitcher.
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| Dontrelle Willis received good news on Tuesday as his MRI results revealed that he is merely suffering from tendinitis in his right knee, according to the AP.
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Our View: The Tigers said Willis received a cortisone shot to reduce inflammation and was fitted for a brace to provide support when he returns to Lakeland, Florida, later this week to continue a program designed to help him regain control.
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| Dontrelle Willis, who is going to have his right knee examined by team doctor Stephen Lemos this week, may not be able to pitch again this season following his latest setback, according to the AP. |
Our View: This report is still very early, and his status shouldn't ultimately be decided until after he meets with Lemos.
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| Dontrelle Willis will fly to Detroit within the next day or two to have his right knee examined by team doctor Stephen Lemos, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: It is the same knee he hyperextended back in April. He hasn't pitched since June 29 (with Single-A Lakeland), and it is unclear how long the knee has been bothering him. The Tigers did not place a timetable on his return. Armando Galarraga has notably posted a 7-2 record since filling Willis' spot in the rotation.
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| Dontrelle Willis worked two innings for High-A Lakeland on Sunday. He allowed one hit and one run, walked three, and struck out none. It was Willis' first game action since June 9, MLive.com notes. |
Our View: The Tigers gave Willis a little time to clear his head, but it doesn't look like it helped that much. We wonder when the franchise will ask Rick Ankiel for advice about turning Willis into an outfielder.
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| Dontrelle Willis has been optioned to Single-A Lakeland on Tuesday, according to the AP. Willis has proven to be one of the biggest disappointments among off-season signings in the league, as he has allowed 13 runs and 21 walks over 11.1 innings this season. |
Our View: Willis was lit up for eight runs on three hits and five walks over a mere 1.1 innings of work on Monday against Cleveland, and this move is not surprising.
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| Dontrelle Willis was absolutely horrendous Monday night, allowing eight runs on three hits and five walks over 1 1/3 innings. Dontrelle's ERA on the year now sits at 10.32, and he's handed out 21 free passes in 11 1/3 innings. |
Our View: We didn't like Willis' chances at success tonight, but geez. It's possible his start this weekend could be in jeopardy.
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| In his first start since coming off the DL, Dontrelle Willis tossed four scoreless inning Tuesday night, allowing just two hits while striking out three. Unfortunately, Willis also continued to display the control problems that have plagued him, walking five. |
Our View: Willis isn't usable in mixed leagues right now until he solves his control issues.
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| Detroit manager Jim Leyland spoke with the press following last night's game and reports LHP Dontrelle Willis will get the start on Tuesday and will be followed in relief by Armando Galarraga, according to CBSSports.com. |
Our View: This will be Willis' second start since returning from the disabled list on May 21st, and the outing is planned to be short. Galarraga has been making starts without Willis in the rotation and Leyland contends that will continue. He simply wants to get Willis working towards a full return and wants to do so cautiously, thus he'll let Willis ride for approximately four innings before going back to Galarraga.
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| The Tigers will activate Dontrelle Willis from the DL today, but he's not going to be inserted into the rotation. Instead, the team will use him out of the bullpen initially. "We just want to keep him working, get some more innings in, get him fine-tuned a little bit, and then we'll play it from there," manager Jim Leyland said on MLB.com. |
Our View: Willis walked nine in five innings in his two starts with the Tigers this year, and he's had control problems in his three rehab starts, as well, so this move makes sense. Armando Galarraga has pitched very well since taking over for Willis, and he'll remain in the rotation.
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| Dontrelle Willis allowed one run on five hits for Toledo on Saturday night, but the Detroit News report that Leyland said he got was that the "results were pretty good, but the performance was O.K.," meaning his command is still suspect.
"His control was not real good," said Leyland, referring to Willis' four walks and a ratio of 41 balls to 55 strikes.
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Our View: In a meeting between Leyland and general manager Dave Dombrowski on Monday at Comerica Park, the Tigers' next move involving Willis, whether to activate him or have him make another start for Toledo, will be decided.
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| Detroit LHP Dontrelle Willis has made marked improvement during his rehab stint in the minors, but the team is reportedly concerned about his struggles for control, according to CBSSports.com. |
Our View: Willis made his third start with Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, allowing just one run over six innings, but he walked four batters and scared another with a wild pitch that went behind the back of the man in the box. Willis ended with four strikeouts and that seems to indicate he is on schedule. It's not like Willis hasn't been wild in the past.
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| Dontrelle Willis will make a rehab start on Monday, according to the Detroit News. Manager Jim Leyland said Willis will make two rehab starts next week for Triple-A Toledo on Monday and May 17. Leyland also said, "He threw Friday, he did fine."
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Our View: If he is healthy and effective in his starts, Willis will rejoin the Tigers' rotation the following week. He is recovering from a hyperextended right knee. Manager Leyland noted that it will be hard to pull Armando Galarraga from the rotation and place him in the bullpen, as he has been performing well as a starter, and Leyland is still mulling over his decision regarding Galarraga.
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| Dontrelle Willis is slowly working back from the most recent setback with his injured knee, according to MLB.com. "I think Dontrelle's doing [his rehab] the right way," manager Jim Leyland said. |
Our View: Willis hopes to throw off the mound this weekend and to make a minor league start next week. Form there, it really depends on what shape he is physically in as to when he we be called back up to Detroit.
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| Dontrelle Willis suffered a minor setback on Sunday. The team revealed that Willis tweaked his knee while fielding a groundball during Friday's rehab assignment. |
Our View: He'll throw a side session later in the week before the Tigers figure out his remaining rehab schedule. The D-Train is not expected to return before late May, or early June at the earliest. This means that Armando Galarraga will remain in the starting rotation and have two starts in Week 7.
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| The Tigers stated that Dontrelle Willis has tweaked his right knee while fielding a ball during Friday night's rehab start in Toledo, according to MLive.com. Willis went through conditioning drills this morning, but it was then determined that he won't be ready to start another game this week. Instead of pitching for Toledo on Wednesday, as originally scheduled, Willis will remain with the Tigers and try to throw a bullpen session on Thursday or Friday. The Tigers have recalled his rehab assignment, therefore stopping the clock.
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Our View: Rehab assignments for starting pitchers can only last a total of 30 days. Manager Jim Leyland has told reporters he wants to see Willis make two rehab starts in Toledo before discussions of his return to the Tigers begin.
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| The Detroit Tigers report LHP Dontrelle Willis has completed his first rehab start without pain, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Willis started for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens on Friday night, completing 4 2/3 innings to allow two runs on four hits. Willis did not surrender a single walk, threw 72 pitches, and reports his arm feels great. Manager Jim Leyland has told reporters he wants to see Willis make two rehab starts in Toledo before discussions of his return to the Tigers start. He will throw a bullpen sessions at some point this week under the supervision of pitching coach Chuck Hernandez before making his next rehab start in the minors (most likely to come on Wednesday).
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| The Detroit Tigers have announced LHP Dontrelle Willis will make his first rehab start on Friday, taking the mound for Triple-A Toledo, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Manager Jim Leyland said the team delayed their decision until they discussed the potential start with Willis as the pitcher threw a full side session in the bullpen at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday. Leyland wanted to see how Willis felt after that workout, and it appears the report went well. The Mud Hens are at home on Friday and will welcome Rochester, the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
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| Dontrelle Willis threw his scheduled bullpen session on Tuesday without any health issues and is on track to make his first rehab appearance on Friday, according to MLB.com. The lefty is expected make at least two minor league starts before returning to Detroit's rotation. |
Our View: The Tigers would probably be better off just sticking with Armando Galarraga in their rotation, but he's the most likely candidate to be sent out when Dontrelle is ready.
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| Dontrelle Willis will throw a bullpen session some time during the series in New York, according to MLB.com. That will be the final step before he can go out on a Minor League rehab assignment, as he recovers from his hyperextended knee. |
Our View: Willis is a couple of weeks away from returning, and Armando Galarraga will continue to fill his spot in the rotation. Galarraga is 2-0 with a 0.72 WHIP and has actually outperformed Willis. Willis allowed four runs and nine walks over five brief innings this season.
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| Dontrelle Willis is scheduled to throw a simulated game today, according to the Detroit Free Press. He is on the DL with a hyperextended right knee. Willis could pitch on a minor league rehab assignment next week, and Manager Jim Leyland stated, "We need Dontrelle." |
Our View: He is a couple of weeks away from returning, and Armando Galarraga will continue to fill his spot in the rotation, who is going for his third win in as many starts today. Willis allowed four runs and nine walks over five brief innings this season.
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| Dontrelle Willis felt good during his bullpen session on Monday. It was his first time on the mound since hyperextending his right knee on April 11. "It was basically a full side [session]," Willis tells MLB.com. "It went well. Everything is good right now." The southpaw adds that most of his strength and all of the soreness are gone. Willis will throw one more bullpen session before trying fielding drills. He may then make one or two rehab minor league rehab starts. |
Our View: It sounds like we're still looking at a couple weeks for Dontrelle, provided he makes two minor league outings. Armando Galarraga is currently filling his spot in the rotation.
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| Dontrelle Willis has begun playing catch, his first step back from a hyperextended right knee. He says the strength is back in the joint and he has no soreness. "So far, so good," Willis tells MLB.com. "You don't want to start doing stuff where you might change something and put more strain on your arm." The Tigers will likely send Willis on a minor league rehab stint before pulling him off the DL. |
Our View: We're hoping D-Train accepts the rehab stint, as it would give us a good idea of his return date and if he has curbed his awful control issues. We'll continue to follow his progress.
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| Dontrelle Willis has pleaded guilty to reckless driving in a South Florida case that was downgraded from drunken driving, according to the AP. He was arrested in December of 2006 in Miami Beach. Police noticed Willis had double-parked his Bentley and had watery eyes, slurred speech and appeared disoriented. Prosecutors on Tuesday stated that Willis accepted a plea to lesser charges, meaning Willis can keep his driver’s license. But he must pay $761 in fines and fees, do 50 hours of community service and be on probation for six months.
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Our View: Willis is currently on the DL due to his knee ailment, and did not appear in court.
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| The Tigers will be cautious with Dontrelle Willis as he tries to come back from a hyperextended right knee, MLB.com reports. That means Willis may not be activated as soon as his 15 days are up. The southpaw says he is not dealing with any pain, only stiffness. |
Our View: By "cautious," we assume that means the Tigers won't bring Dontrelle back until he can throw strikes again. They have enough other problems right now that they don't need this wayward southpaw allowing a free pass or two every inning.
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| Dontrelle Willis was placed on the 15-day DL due to his hyperextended right knee, this according to the AP. “There is no tear, so that’s good,” Willis said Saturday. “We’ll see how I feel tomorrow. I’ll take it day-by-day. I felt better today, just a little stiffness.” |
Our View: By being placed on the DL, Willis will save his owners the decision of whether or not they should start him given his less than scintillating performance in a Tigers uniform.
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| Dontrelle Willis underwent an MRI on his injured knee on Saturday, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The injury was initially believed to be a hyperextension, and we will keep you posted on the results of the MRI.
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| Dontrelle Willis injury is being called a hyperextended right knee, this according to MLB.com. Willis injured the knee while slipping on the mound, and at this point it is unclear if he will miss his next start or be forced to the DL. |
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| Dontrelle Willis suffered an injury to his right leg in the first inning of his start on Friday night and had to be removed from the game. Willis threw just 15 pitches before being removed from the game and he allowed one run, walked two batters, and threw a wild pitch in the abbreviated outing. More details to follow once we learn the severity of the injury. |
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| What problems? The Tigers apparently have no issues with Dontrelle Willis, who struggled with his control this spring and walked seven batters on Saturday. "No issues whatsoever with him," manager Jim Leyland tells the Detroit News. "He's throwing the ball fine. Just not accurate. He's just got to back to where he throws strikes." Is Leyland watching the same guy we are? That would be like saying we were writing well despite spelling every third word wrong. |
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| It was the worst of times, it was the best of times for Dontrelle Willis on Saturday. Willis didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning against the White Sox but he ended up allowing three runs in five innings despite only permitting one hit. How is that possible you ask? Well, Willis walked seven batters on the day. Besides having no idea where the ball was going at times, Willis also seemed to be favoring his shoulder, which might explain how he was able to throw 89 pitches without a single strikeout. Willis remains nothing more than an AL only play at the moment, and another outing or two like this will bring even that into doubt. |
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| Dontrelle Willis was dealt his third loss of the spring against Pittsburgh on Wednesday as he surrendered seven runs on eight hits over a mere three innings of work, with four walks and three strikeouts. His spring ERA climbed to 8.43, and there is speculation that he is secretly hurt. He remains a fantasy risk. |
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| Dontrelle Willis could be secretly hurt, according to blessyouboys.com. Two scouts who watched Willis' last outing believed he might have been battling some discomfort, as he was shaking his arm and turning his shoulder as if he were having some trouble getting loose. This is speculation but could be true as Willis is suffering through a tough spring with a 6.59 ERA over 13.2 innings of work, with 11 walks.
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| Dontrelle Willis, who will start the year as the Tigers number five starter, had another uneven performance on Friday as he allowed five runs and seven hits in just 3.1 innings. “He’s not doing his mechanics the right way,” manager Leyland said in a report on the AP. “I don’t mind his funky delivery, but not all the different types of funkiness I’ve been seeing this spring.” Willis might just have burnt out after all those innings as a youngster. The closer we get to the season the more certain we are becoming that Willis has a better chance of being Jeff Suppan this year than his former Cy Young self. Tread cautiously. |
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| Dontrelle Willis will pitch the fifth game of the year for the Tigers, manager Jim Leyland told MLive.com. Willis holds a 4.35 ERA and 8/7 K/BB rate in 10 1/3 innings this spring. He's trying to bounce back from a sub-par 2007 season. |
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| Dontrelle Willis blames his poor outing Tuesday in a split-squad game on testing out his pitches and just trying to get ready for the season, according to the AP. "I was just missing and trying to stay aggressive," Willis said. "My command has to be a lot better. It’s going to be fine." Acquired by the Tigers in the Miguel Cabrera swap with the Marlins during the offseason, Willis allowed four walks and two hits, though he only gave up one run over 2 1/3 innings. |
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| Former Braves killer Dontrelle Willis put in three solid innings of work on Thursday. Willis gave up two hits, walked one and struck out three in a scoreless outing. Willis has a 1.80 ERA this early spring. |
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| The Tigers and Dontrelle Willis have agreed in principle on a three-year, $29 million contract extension, according to ESPN.com. The deal lso includes incentives that could push the total value to more than $30 million. Willis is hoping to rebound after posting a 5.17 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 35 starts last year. Moving to the AL Central won't do him any favors, however. |
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| The Tigers are in the process of working out a contract extension for Dontrelle Willis, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2009 season, according to the Detroit Free Press. The extension would likely be for three or four years. |
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| Dontrelle Willis would like to sign a long-term deal with the Tigers this offseason, according to the Detroit News. "Detroit pays fair-market value for guys, and guys are happy playing there," agent Matt Sosnick said Tuesday. "He's really excited about going there." Willis, who is among Detroit's seven arbitration-eligible players, is likely to earn a $7.5-million base salary in 2008. |
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| Dontrelle Willis is expected to rejoin the team in time to make his scheduled start Friday against the Dodgers, the AP reports. Willis left the Marlins on Tuesday because of "family issues." |
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| Dontrelle Willis will start against the Pirates on Tuesday night, and he says that his arm is okay. He worked only one inning in his last outing due to tightness in his left forearm. The Marlins gave him an extra day of rest, and Willis tells the Miami Herald that "everything is fine." |
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| Dontrelle Willis appears to be close to returning to the mound. The Associated Press reports he threw a bullpen session Saturday and should start on Tuesday. He had his start on Sunday pushed back because of a tight forearm. The conservative route for fantasy owners would be to bench Willis next week to ensure he is over this forearm issue. |
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| Dontrelle Willis was able to get through a light throwing session on Friday. However, the Marlins plan to be cautious with Willis' sore forearm, so his next start will be bumped from Sunday to Tuesday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. That's a shame, because he was set to face Johan Santana, but at least the injury doesn't appear to be serious. Byung-Hyun Kim will get the nod on Sunday. |
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| Dontrelle Willis felt better on Wednesday and expects to make his next start. He left his outing on Tuesday early due to tightness in his left forearm. "I played catch, and I got some treatment in my arm and it felt a little looser. Hopefully, I will feel better in my next start," Willis tells the Miami Herald. He is slated to start on Sunday but may be moved back to Tuesday. |
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| Dontrelle Willis lasted only one inning on Tuesday night against the White Sox. He left early due to tightness in his left forearm. "No, I am not going on the disabled list," Willis tells the Miami Herald. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the soreness extends from the forearm up into his elbow. |
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| Dontrelle Willis will make his regularly scheduled start Tuesday against the White Sox, as his hand injury is no big deal, the AP reports. There was concern Willis had injured the hand while covering first base on Thursday, but apparently he's fine. This doesn't mean you want to extend a long leash on Willis, who's carrying a 4.58 ERA and 1.54 ratio this year. |
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| Dontrelle Willis was accidentally kicked on his pitching hand by Grady Sizemnore on a play at first base on Thursday. The result was a forearm cramp that remained a minor concern after he played catch on Friday, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Willis will toss a bullpen session Saturday to determine whether he'll make his scheduled start on Tuesday. It doesn't appear to be serious, so he might just be moved back a day or two if it doesn't respond well Saturday. |
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| Dontrelle Willis is expected to make his scheduled start tonight, even though his wife is scheduled to have labor induced earlier in the day, according to the Sun-Sentinel. "That's just how it played out," Willis said. "She has her whole family here. It might have been different if we were in Milwaukee, but everybody she needs is in town so she just told me to go out there and be happy." |
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| Dontrelle Willis will start on opening day for the Marlins, according to the AP. "He's the guy that's been here the longest," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's the leader of that pitching staff and he's the guy we want there for the matchup." |
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| Dontrelle Willis agreed to a one-year, $6.45 million deal with the Marlins Monday, according to the AP. He went 12-12 with a 3.87 ERA in 2006. |
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| Dontrelle Willis was arrested Friday morning on a drunken driving charge in Miami Beach, the AP reports. Willis was arrested and taken to a police station, where he refused a breath test. |
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| Dontrelle Willis exited Sunday's season finale with a sore left triceps, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Manager Joe Girardi said Willis had X-rays and was fine. |
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| Dontrelle Willis threw only 19 pitches against the Phillies on Sunday before leaving with a sore left triceps, according to the AP. He was replaced by Jose Garcia. |
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| Dontrelle Willis's start on Tuesday could be his last of the season, according to the AP. Willis is scheduled to start on Saturday, but the Marlins may decide to skip him because he has already logged so many innings. |
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| Dontrelle Willis struck out 12 in a three-hit shutout on Sunday, his first shutout of the season. Willis lowered his ERA to 3.75 for the season and earned his 10th win. |
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