James Jahnke

Detroit Free Press

This is nothing more than fodder for the rumor mill -- for now -- but MLB Network writer Jon Heyman reported this morning that the Detroit Tigers have been "eyeing" free agent starter Kyle Lohse.

The club is "emphasizing depth" in its rotation, Heyman said in explaining the interest. The Tigers have been beset by injuries to starters Anibal Sanchez and Daniel Norris this spring.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus downplayed the rumor, saying this afternoon: "I haven't heard Kyle Lohse's name in weeks."

Lohse, 37, has yet to catch on with a team this off-season. He pitched the last three seasons for the Milwaukee Brewers, going 5-13 with a 5.85 ERA in 2015. He made 22 starts and 15 relief appearances last season.

Lohse has pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals and Brewers during his 15-year career. He has overall marks of 147-141 with a 4.37 ERA, 1.342 WHIP and 1,612 strikeouts in 2,522 1/3 innings.

More to come, as events warrant ...

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Anthony Fenech contributed.