The Detroit Tigers made several roster adjustments ahead of their doubleheader against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday. Manager AJ Hinch confirmed the addition of lefty reliever Bailey Horn, as teams are permitted to expand their rosters to accommodate a 27th player for doubleheaders. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when righty reliever Tyler Owens also joined the team after being called up from Triple-A Toledo due to Sawyer Gipson-Long reporting neck stiffness.
Gipson-Long’s condition led to the Tigers placing him on the 15-day injured list, prompting a shift in their pitching strategy. Originally intended to be a key reliever in Game 1, Gipson-Long’s absence means they will likely utilize all 10 available relievers instead. Additionally, outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy has been summoned from Toledo as a precautionary measure to add depth in case he is required in Game 2 against left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore.
Reese Olson, a right-handed starter who had been on a rehab assignment since late June, is also traveling with the team and is expected to make his return to the majors soon. While he won’t likely pitch in Washington, he is anticipated to join the rotation for the upcoming Cleveland series. This aligns with the Tigers’ strategy to stabilize their pitching lineup, which might include Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Olson.
Meanwhile, the Tigers officially placed outfielder Kerry Carpenter on the 10-day injured list due to a hamstring strain, allowing shortstop Trey Sweeney to be recalled from Toledo just two days after being optioned. Hinch expressed confidence in Sweeney’s versatility and the value he adds to the roster, given the right-handed pitching they will face.
Reliever Alex Lange is also making positive strides during his rehab, throwing three consecutive scoreless innings in Toledo. Although he’s showing improvement, the Tigers remain cautious about his workload as he recovers from a lat injury.
As for the matchup tonight, Dietrich Enns is set to start for the Tigers. Enns excelled in his season debut, showcasing control and striking out multiple hitters. On the other hand, Nationals’ Jake Irvin is looking to bounce back from a rough outing in his previous start.
Overall, the Tigers are navigating roster changes with optimism and are hopeful for strong performances as they face the Nationals. This is a pivotal moment for the team as they continue to adapt and improve during the season.