The Tigers optioned Brieske to Triple-A Toledo following Thursday's game against the Twins. Both Brieske and Brenan Hanifee will head down to Triple-A to make room on the Tigers' 26-man roster for both Kenley Jansen and Jacob Waguespack. Brieske has tossed 2.2 scoreless innings over his last two outings and could return to the majors this season should the Tigers require right-handed depth out of the bullpen.
Brieske worked around three hits and a walk to toss 1.2 scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Twins. Brieske wasn't particularly sharp, but it was still a step in the right direction for him, as he had allowed three runs in each of his previous two outings this season. The righty had been on the injured list all year after suffering a left adductor strain toward the end of spring training, and it looks like he's still shaking off some rust after returning in late May. Brieske should see his bullpen role grow as he settles in, though he may have limited fantasy upside working in middle relief.
The Tigers reinstated Brieske (thigh) from the 60-day IL on Friday. Brieske has been on the injured list all season after suffering a left adductor strain late in spring training. He began a rehab assignment May 5 and has since given up four earned runs across 7.2 innings between Single-A and Triple-A. Now fully healthy, he'll return to the Tigers' bullpen, replacing Casey Mize (groin) on the active roster and Brant Hurter (back) on the 40-man.