Full Breakdown
Tigers Bolster Bullpen by Signing Former Braves Reliever Tyler Kinley
8/25/2026, 4:18:58 AM
Core Move: Adding Kinley to the Roster
The Detroit Tigers have signed right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley to a major-league contract and placed him on the active roster for the upcoming series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. To create the roster spot, the club designated Ricky Vanasco for assignment and optioned right-hander Ty Madden to Triple-A Toledo.
Bullpen Struggles Prompt the Acquisition
Detroit’s bullpen has been a liability this season, recording 28 blown saves—the most in the American League. The club’s recent trades of starters Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize left the relief corps thin, and manager A.J. Hinch cited a need for better performance against right-handed hitters as a primary reason for targeting Kinley.
Official Statements & Responses
The manager also noted that the team had previously explored Kinley in free-agency periods and saw his recent work as a fit for the current roster composition.
Data & Statistics
- 2026 with Atlanta: 49 appearances, 42 2/3 innings, 4.01 ERA, 6-5 record, 42 strikeouts, 1.29 WHIP.
- Slider usage: 66% of pitches, generating a 29.8% whiff rate and a 26% strikeout rate.
- Recent August performance: 2.08 ERA for the month after a 0.72 ERA over the final 25 innings of the 2025 stretch.
- Tigers’ bullpen: 28 blown saves, the league’s highest total.
What's Next
Kinley is slated to appear in the Monday night game versus the Rays, who lead the American League and feature right-handed power hitter Junior Caminero. The Tigers hope the addition will stabilize late-inning outings as the club fights to remain in playoff contention.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's going to be active tonight,” — J. Hinch, tigers manager
- “We have right-handed pitchers in our 'pen,” — J. Hinch, tigers manager
