In a six-year career, Lira compiled a 26–46 record with 348 strikeouts and a 5.32 ERA in 577 innings. As a batter with the Expos, he hit .211 (4-for-19) with two home runs, both hit in 2000.[1] On August 29, 1995, Lira notched his only MLB save. He recorded the final out of the game to preserve a 7–5 Tigers victory over the Chicago White Sox. He saved the game for starter Sean Bergman.[2] Lira was the Tigers Opening Day starter in 1996, taking the loss against the Minnesota Twins.[3] On September 6, he gave up Eddie Murray's 500th home run.[4]
Detroit traded Lira and Omar Olivares to the Mariners for Scott Sanders, Dean Crow, and Carlos Villalobos on July 18, 1997, following a plea from manager Lou Piniella to add pitching.[5] Following a 4–0 stretch in May with the Tigers, Lira lost his final seven decisions in 1997 and finished the season in the minors.[6] Lira returned to the Tigers in 1999, finishing his MLB career with two seasons with Montreal.[1]
