The Detroit Tigers have been on a roll all season long, and yet, their roster is still a work in progress. With a 77-53 record heading into play on Saturday, the Tigers have complete control of the American League Central, but they find themselves engaged in a tight battle with the Toronto Blue Jays for the No. 1 seed in the American League.
As a result, Detroit cannot take its foot off the gas pedal, as it needs to be looking for a way to put its best group of players on the field every single day from here on out. On Friday, that led to them making a surprising move involving veteran utilityman Ryan Kreidler and left-handed relief pitcher Drew Sommers.
Tigers Release Ryan Kreidler, Promote Drew Sommers
Throughout the year, the Tigers have largely done a great job of getting the most production possible out of their players. One guy who didn’t manage to fit that bill, though, was Kreidler. In 17 games with Detroit to begin their season, Kreidler posted a horrific .105 batting average in 38 plate appearances, leading to him getting sent down to Triple-A.
Since then, Kreidler has been better, hitting .251 with four home runs and 37 RBIs for Toledo, but he hasn’t found his way back to the majors. If he does, it won’t be with Detroit, as the team designated him for assignment in order to make room for Sommers, who would go on to make his major league debut against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.
Sommers has enjoyed a strong season in the minors for Detroit, as he’s recorded a 4-1 record with a 3.00 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 57 innings of work out of the bullpen, splitting his time in Double-A and Triple-A. Now, he’s got a shot to contribute out of the pen for the Tigers in the midst of their playoff push. While Kreidler was designated for assignment, he wasn’t on the major league roster, leading to Alex Lange getting sent to Triple-A in order to make room for Sommers.
LHP Drew Sommers has been selected from Triple-A Toledo. Sommers, who will wear uniform number 51, joins the first major league roster of his career. RHP Alex Lange was optioned to Triple-A yesterday,” the Tigers PR account announced in a post on X. To make room for Sommers on the 40-man roster, infielder/outfielder Ryan Kreidler has been designated for assignment.
Tigers Making Push to Hold onto the No. 1 Seed
GettyTigers manager AJ Hinch
Sommers’ MLB debut was a bit rocky, as he only pitched a third of an inning, giving up two walks while getting just one out. Nerves are to be expected when pitching in your first game in the big leagues, though, and now that Sommers has gotten his feet wet, he will look to emerge as a key reliever for the Tigers moving forward.
Toronto has been on a heater for a couple of weeks now, but Detroit has been the best team in the American League all season long, and they aren’t looking to let up now. After taking down the Royals on Friday night, the Tigers are going for the series win on Saturday, as they currently hold a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning.
Tigers Cut Ties With Veteran Infielder to Make Room for Left-Handed Pitcher