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Dontrelle Willis #21 | Pitcher | Detroit Tigers
Height: 6-4    Weight: 239    Throws: L    Bats: L
Born: Jan 12, 1982, Oakland, CA
Contract: Signed though 2012
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Newsbreakers
November 18, 2008
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.
September 27, 2008
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.
September 23, 2008
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.
September 21, 2008
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.
September 15, 2008
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.
September 9, 2008
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.
September 9, 2008
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."

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.
September 6, 2008
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.
September 3, 2008
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."

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.
August 31, 2008
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.
August 26, 2008
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.

Our View:Willis suffered yet another setback, and is not worth keeping on fantasy rosters with continued uncertainty that he will return this season.
August 23, 2008
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."

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.
August 22, 2008
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.
August 16, 2008
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.
August 12, 2008
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.
August 8, 2008
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."

Our View:This is encouraging news regarding his control, but there remains to target date as to when he may return to the Tigers.
August 1, 2008
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.
July 18, 2008
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.
July 13, 2008
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.
July 8, 2008
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.

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.
July 8, 2008
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.
July 7, 2008
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.
June 29, 2008
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.
June 10, 2008
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.
June 9, 2008
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.
June 3, 2008
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.
May 31, 2008
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.
May 21, 2008
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.
May 19, 2008
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.

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.
May 18, 2008
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.
May 10, 2008
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."

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.
May 7, 2008
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.
May 5, 2008
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.
May 4, 2008
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.

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.
May 3, 2008
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).
April 30, 2008
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.
April 29, 2008
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.
April 29, 2008
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.
April 26, 2008
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.
April 21, 2008
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.
April 18, 2008
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.
April 15, 2008
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.

Our View:Willis is currently on the DL due to his knee ailment, and did not appear in court.
April 14, 2008
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.
April 12, 2008
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.
April 12, 2008
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.
April 11, 2008
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.
April 11, 2008
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.
April 7, 2008
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.
April 5, 2008
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.
March 26, 2008
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.
March 23, 2008
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.
March 21, 2008
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.
March 21, 2008
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.
March 11, 2008
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.
March 6, 2008
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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