DETROIT -- The Tigers continue to show interest in Darren Oliver, and they're now among a handful of clubs in an active mix for the free-agent left-handed reliever. However, Oliver's agent, Mike McCann, said on Wednesday that he doesn't expect a deal with any club to be struck soon.

Detroit has had multiple conversations with McCann, whose client became one of the more valued lefties on the market by holding left-handed batters to a .229 average on his way to a 7-1 record and a 2.88 ERA in 72 innings for the Angels this past season. Those talks with the Tigers haven't advanced past the formative stages, but there appears to be the foundation to do so.

"I think there's a mutual interest on both sides," McCann said.

Oliver has had interest from 10 teams to varying degrees, McCann said, a group that has grown in recent days since clubs were able to talk contract terms with other teams' free agents. The Angels also have an interest in re-signing Oliver, and they can require a first- or second-round Draft pick from another club if they offer arbitration to the Type A free agent. Because the Angels don't have to decide that until Dec. 1, no deal is expected until after that.

"It's early [for teams], and it's early for us, too," McCann said. "We're still trying to gather some facts at this point."

Nonetheless, talks seem to be progressing with clubs, much the way they have with other lefty relievers on the free-agent market. Recent deals for Damaso Marte with the Yankees and Jeremy Affeldt with the Giants likely ensure that the 38-year-old Oliver will get a multiyear deal. He earned a one-year contract plus a vesting option from the Angels when he last hit the market, two years ago.

Oliver potentially fills two needs for the Tigers, who are looking for a second lefty reliever alongside Bobby Seay while also seeking someone who can handle an inning or two at a time in middle-inning and setup situations. A former Major League starter who converted to relief full-time with the Mets in 2006, Oliver has averaged 72 innings and 53 games per season over the past three years, while also finishing off 39 games in that stretch.

Detroit has also shown interest in left-handers Joe Beimel and Arthur Rhodes.