The Detroit Tigers have made several roster adjustments as they signed veteran reliever Luke Jackson, who was recently released by the Texas Rangers. Jackson, soon to turn 34, will fill the spot previously occupied by right-hander Geoff Hartlieb, who has been designated for assignment after limited performance during his time with the Tigers.
In his recent outings, Jackson pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Tigers on July 20, showcasing his potential despite a mixed season, where he has a 4.11 ERA over 35 innings. His most notable performance came in 2021 when he contributed significantly to the Atlanta Braves, achieving a 1.98 ERA during their World Series-winning campaign.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch expressed optimism about Jackson’s ability to regain his past success, noting that Jackson’s breaking ball remains effective even if he hasn’t shown the same swing-and-miss capability this season. “He’s a veteran guy who I think has some upside,” Hinch stated.
Alongside this signing, the Tigers also reinstated ace left-hander Tarik Skubal from the paternity list, expecting him to start against the Toronto Blue Jays. Skubal’s return comes at a crucial time for the pitching staff as he is anticipated to possibly leave after the game depending on family circumstances.
Meanwhile, Keider Montero has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo after a challenging stint in the majors. His fluctuating performance illustrates the difficulties young pitchers often face as they develop their skills in the big leagues. Hinch emphasized Montero’s work ethic and willingness to execute the game plan, even if results haven’t consistently matched expectations.
This series of roster changes reflects the Tigers’ proactive approach to managing their pitching staff as they seek to enhance their competitiveness on the field. With Jackson’s extensive experience and Skubal’s return, the team hopes to bolster its performance in the latter stages of the season.