Burch Smith: Everything you need to know

Smith will serve as the opening pitcher during Saturday's game against the Royals, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. Smith has been one of the Tigers' most reliable bullpen options so far this season, logging a 1.59 ERA and 1.15 WHIP alongside a 16:4 K:BB in 11.1 innings. He'll be trusted to handle the first inning or two of Saturday's contest before turning things over to bulk reliever Ty Madden.

Smith (0-1) took the loss Friday, allowing one run on three hits in two innings of relief as the Tigers fell 5-4 to the Rangers. He struck out three. The veteran righty got the call in a high-leverage spot but couldn't seal the deal, giving up the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth inning on an Alejandro Osuna double as Texas broke a 4-4 tie. With Kenley Jansen struggling of late, Will Vest (undisclosed) not 100 percent and Kyle Finnegan having pitched the prior two days, manager A.J. Hinch's late-game options were limited Friday, but Smith has pitched well enough since being promoted from Triple-A Toledo to potentially be in the mix. Through 7.1 innings over four appearances, he's delivered a 2.45 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB.

Smith allowed a run on two hits and a walk across two innings of relief in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to Atlanta. He struck out four. Smith is off to a nice start with the Tigers since getting the call from Triple-A Toledo, as he's allowed just one run in three appearances, and he's struck out eight batters already across 5.1 innings. The 36-year-old had toiled in the minors since last appearing in the majors back in 2024, and he's not yet a true high-leverage bullpen option in Detroit, but he could earn a more significant role if he continues to pitch well.