Warwick Saupold, a right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, took the time to answer a few questions regarding his time in the big leagues and the transition from the Australian Baseball League (ABL) to the Major League Baseball (MLB). 

Who is Warwick Saupold? 

Warwick Saupold is the second-ever Australian pitcher to toss for the Tigers in the big leagues. The first Australian pitcher to toss at the major league level for the Tigers was Brad Thomas from 2010-2011. 

Saupold took a much different route to the Major League Baseball than most pitchers. He joined the Perth Heat of the Australian Baseball League in 2010 and was dominant across the 2011 and 2012 seasons. As a matter of fact, he led the league in innings pitched with 70.0 innings in 2012, while setting an ABL record with a 1.41 ERA. During that season, Saupold struck out 53 hitters and allowed 43 hits, 22 walks, and just two home runs. 

In 2012, the righty signed a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) contract with the Tigers and was immediately sent to work with Class-A Advanced Lakeland. Saupold pitched outstanding in the Florida State League (FSL) championship game to earn the win and take the series. He was sent up to Double-A Erie in 2014 and 2015 but got up to Triple-A Toledo midway through the 2015 season. 

Saupold, in the middle of the transition from the ABL to the MiLB, pitched in the 2013 World Baseball Classic for Australia and the 2017 World Baseball Classic Qualifier in his home country for the Aussies this past winter. 

He has a 3-1 record with a 2.37 ERA in eight games (four starts) for the Mud Hens this season. Saupold holds a highly impressive 0.890 WHIP and has not given up a run this year through 30.1 innings at the minor league level. 

Even though he is with the Tigers organization, Saupold returns to the ABL in the offseason to pitch for the Heat to keep his stuff clean as a whistle. 

2016 MLB Stats

Warwick Saupold has pitched 4.1 innings in the major leagues across three games for the Tigers. The reliever has allowed three hits and two walks but has yet to allow a run. Saupold has struck out six batters and has a 1.15 WHIP to go with his clean 0.00 ERA. 

The Interview

Evan Petzold (EP): What is it like being around players like Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander? Did it feel weird at first?
Warwick Saupold (WS): It's awesome to play with those guys. There are a lot of talented players on this club. No, not really they made me feel very welcome.

EP: What are a few of the key differences between playing for Perth in Australia and Detroit in the United States? Are there any real differences besides the competition level.
WS: The stadiums are a lot bigger.

EP: What aspect of your game do you feel like you have mastered the most over your career and what do you think you need to work on?
WS: I definitely haven't mastered anything over my career. I'm trying to work on all aspects of the game. There's always something that might need work just varies from day to day.

EP: Well then what would be the strongest aspect of your game?
WS: I'm really not sure. I try to go out there and pound the zone and get ground ball outs. I've been able to do that so far this year.

EP: How do you prepare for a game? And how do you get mentally ready to go from the bullpen to the mound?
WS: I don't have a certain routine I just liked to stay as relaxed as possible. Just make sure I'm as loose as possible and then lock in as soon as I'm warm.