The Detroit Tigers have made a strategic roster move by optioning reliever Brenan Hanifee to Triple-A Toledo, paving the way for veteran starter Charlie Morton to join the team. Morton is set to make his Tigers debut on Sunday in the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite being named co-reliever of the month in July, Hanifee’s recent struggles, including two runs allowed in a critical eighth-inning appearance and a throwing error, led to his reassignment. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch emphasized that Hanifee’s performance did not solely dictate the decision. With the arrival of Morton, who signed a one-year deal with the Tigers following a difficult start to the season with the Baltimore Orioles, roster adjustments were necessary.
“He’s been one of our better relievers in different parts of our season,” Hinch said, expressing confidence that Hanifee will return stronger. Hanifee has a respectable 3.10 ERA over 52 1/3 innings this season, with 35 strikeouts.
Morton, now in his 18th big-league season, has experienced a revival after early-season struggles, boasting a 7-1 record and a 3.88 ERA since moving back to the rotation in late May. This marks Morton’s seventh MLB team, and his breadth of experience will add depth to the Tigers’ rotation, which already includes left-hander Tarik Skubal and right-handers Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Chris Paddack.
As the Tigers continue to refine their roster, the bullpen remains a mix of promising talent, with right-handers Kyle Finnegan, Rafael Montero, and others complementing the lineup. This ongoing evolution reflects the team’s commitment to harnessing player potential and enhancing performance as they move forward in the season.
Overall, this shift in the roster may become a pivotal moment for both Hanifee and Morton, as they look to contribute to the team’s success in the coming months.