News - Tigers Strengthen Bullpen with Hanifee Acquisition

The Detroit Tigers have announced the inclusion of right-handed pitcher Brenan Hanifee to their active roster just before their showdown with the Los Angeles Angels. Hanifee steps in following the placement of left-hander Framber Valdez on the bereavement list due to a family situation. The new addition is poised to offer needed support, following an impressive performance in Toledo, where he has demonstrated promising skills with a 3.29 ERA across 13⅔ innings in the season. Handling roster dynamics, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a robust lineup and anticipates additional changes once Valdez returns. Hanifee’s performance at Triple-A Toledo has been noteworthy with balanced metrics: 23 strikeouts, nine walks, and a 1.583 WHIP over 21 games. Meanwhile, the Tigers have laid out their pitching strategy for the weekend series, featuring Troy Melton, Tarik Skubal, and Casey Mize in the rotation. A.J. Hinch retains flexibility in his lineup plans with Jack Flaherty slated for the Chicago match, and potential adjustments when Valdez returns. Amidst roster developments, the Tigers navigate unexpected hurdles from the ongoing Canadian wildfires. The air quality concerns have affected players like Gleyber Torres, who was reassigned to play in smoke-free Florida instead of Toledo. Emerging pitcher Jackson Jobe also remains in a holding pattern, with his playing schedule in flux depending on air quality both in Lakeland or Erie. Amidst these changes, the Tigers highlight the rise of rookie catcher Eduardo Valencia. Valencia made a memorable MLB entrance with a home run in his first game, joining an elite group of Tigers who have accomplished such a feat, showcasing the dynamic potential in the team’s lineup.