The Detroit Tigers failed to seal the deal in Game 2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Instead of a potential sweep, the Tigers will try to earn the series-clinching win on Wednesday, as news about Hayden Minton emerges.
On Tuesday night, Braxton Ashcraft worked his magic against the Tigers. He only surrendered one home run while striking out four, earning his 13th win of the year.
Detroit Tigers News: Promote 3.54 ERA Pitcher
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 01: Manager A.J. Hinch of the Detroit Tigers relieves Tyler Holton #87 during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game two of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on October 01, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
After the Tigers suffered a suffocating 4-1 loss to the Pirates, they announced Minton’s promotion.
The move was announced via the MiLB Transactions Log: “RHP Hayden Minton assigned to Toledo Mud Hens from Erie SeaWolves.
Minton is a 25-year-old pitcher. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound 2023 draft selection has four years of professional experience.
Looking at Hayden Minton
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 16: Brett Callahan #34 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after hitting a two-run triple against the Chicago White Sox during his rookie debut in the bottom of the second inning at Comerica Park on August 16, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Minton was first acquired by the Tigers via the 2023 MLB draft. The organization selected Minton with the 260th pick in the ninth round.
Minton has spent his entire career with the Tigers.
So far in 2026, he has pitched in 22 games; 19 of them were starts. Minton has recorded 90 strikeouts, two holds, a 3.54 ERA, along with a 1.19 WHIP in 86.1 innings.
Minton has played 70 career minor-league games.
He has collected 310 strikeouts, a 15-11 record, and two holds in 281.1 innings pitched. Additionally, Minton holds a 3.90 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.
Tigers Lose Game 2 to Pirates & Wild Card Update
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 26: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on July 26, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Tigers fell victim to the magical pitching powers of Ashcraft.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, the Toronto Blue Jays also won on Tuesday night. Meaning the Tigers are now in a four-way tie for 0.5 games back of the final AL Wild Card.
Tied with the Tigers are the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles.
The Tigers are going to need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps to make a run of the final stretch of games this season.
Trading away Tarik Skubal was a big loss, and they have done well since the MLB Trade Deadline.
However, they will need everyone pulling their own weight (and then some) to make a playoff berth happen.
Detroit Tigers Promote 3.54 ERA Hurler After Loss to Pirates