Alburquerque was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Coming off a disappointing 2015 campaign, Alburquerque allowed seven runs (four earned) in eight innings this spring, though he did post a sterling 13:1 K:BB. He'll likely be needed in the big-league bullpen at some point this season.

Alburquerque and the Angels agreed to terms on a one-year contract Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The deal is pending a physical, but the 29-year-old is expected to join the Angels after spending the last five seasons in Detroit. He's made 241 appearances over that span, going 17-6 with a 3.20ERA and 1.333 WHIP. Alburquerque is coming off of a disappointing 2015 campaign in which he posted a 4.21 ERA, the second-highest mark of his career. As a result, he was non-tendered by the Tigers in December.

Alburquerque was not tendered a contract by the Tigers, Anthony French of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

After ive seasons in Detroit, Alburquerque will become a free agent with the Tigers opting not to offer a contract before Wednesday's deadline. The reliever has been inconsistent throughout his time with the Tigers, striking out more than 11 batters per nine innings but also walking five batters per nine. He finished last season with a 4.21 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 67 appearances.

Albuquerque (hip) threw a 10-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Albuquerque has not pitched in more than a week as he continues to deal with soreness in his hip. The Tigers were encouraged by Thursday's session, however, and Albuquerque could return to active duty as early as Friday versus the Indians.

Alburquerque is dealing with soreness near his right hip, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

An MRI was ordered, and while the results have not yet been released publicly, Alburquerque seems confident it's not a serious issue. He's hoping to be available to pitch Wednesday against the Royals.

Alburquerque hasn't pitched in a week since allowing three earned runs and registering no outs in an August 24 rout at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds.

EDGE Analysis

He's had a bad year, but then again, this seems to be a pattern for the reliever. Excluding 2012, he has alternated good and bad seasons, at least in terms of ERA and WHIP. However, he's struggled with control in most seasons and he's had just one where he registered at least three strikeouts for every walk. This season, he's struggling with a 1.43 WHIP and 50:28 K:BB rate and should be nowhere near an active fantasy lineup.

Alburquerque has allowed just one run and posted a 13:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last 11 appearances. He started slowly this season, but has pitched well of late. He does have an option remaining, so he could still be demoted if the Tigers need to make a roster move. But that appears unlikely at this point given his improved play.

Alburquerque (illness) recorded two outs in the eighth inning of Tuesday's loss to the Twins. Alburquerque was unavailable for a couple days due to an illness, but he is presumably healthy now. He has allowed eight hits and served up seven walks in his seven innings out of the Tigers' bullpen this season, so he will likely be limited to middle relief duty while he figures things out.

Alburquerque will see a doctor Sunday for a sinus infection, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. This is almost definitely just a blip in the radar for the right-hander, who has struggled mightily in his last couple of appearances.

Alburquerque took a beating Wednesday night, allowing three earned runs on two hits including a home run in one inning of work. He faced six batters, walking one and striking out another. Sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger; sometimes you're the ball. He needs to shake this off and prepare for more late-inning work now that Joe Nathan felt something in his arm "pop" in a rehab outing Wednesday.