Bobby Parnell signs minor league contract with Detroit Tigers

Bobby Parnell has signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit News is reporting, ending an eight-season stint with the New York Mets, the only team he's played for in the majors.

Parnell missed most of 2014 and half of 2015 after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on Opening Day 2014 in a blown save against the Washington Nationals. He had Tommy John surgery in April 2014 and returned to the big league mound last June. After starting out strong—only one run allowed over his first 13 outings—Parnell proved ineffective out of the bullpen. In 24 innings over 30 appearances he had a 6.38 ERA. However, from July 22 on, he had a 12.34 ERA over just 11.2 innings. He was left off the postseason roster.

It's easy to forget that just two years ago Parnell was the team's closer and the best arm out of the bullpen. He recorded 22 saves in 2013, recording a 2.16 ERA that year, and was poised to keep the job as the 2014 season started.