The Tigers are facing a rough patch, with Brant Hurter’s recent exit from their game against the Orioles adding to their woes. Hurter was placed on the injured list due to lumbar spine inflammation, a setback that leaves Detroit’s bullpen in a precarious position.
Despite a hiccup against the Guardians, where he allowed three runs and recorded only one out, Hurter has been a reliable force in the Tigers’ bullpen, especially as their top left-handed option. With Tyler Holton struggling to regain his form from the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and Enmanuel De Jesus causing fans to hold their breath every time he takes the mound, the Tigers are in dire need of a dependable lefty.
Enter the Orioles, who may have inadvertently offered the Tigers a lifeline by designating former Tiger Dietrich Enns for assignment. Enns has shown decent performance in Baltimore this season, including a recent 1 1/3 hitless innings stint in the Orioles’ walk-off win over Detroit. While his time in Detroit last year was uneven, with 17 2/3 shaky innings, Enns represents a known quantity-something the Tigers desperately need as their bullpen options dwindle.
Reuniting with Dietrich Enns could be a savvy move for the Tigers. After all, Enns was brought into the fold as a minor league signing during the 2024-25 offseason following his stint in Japan and Korea.
He was called up in late June amidst the Tigers’ bullpen turbulence and held his spot for a month before being traded to the Orioles. Despite a few rough outings, including a memorable four-inning, eight-run game against the Nationals, Enns managed to provide some stability.
The Tigers’ 40-man roster is currently full, but there are several players who could be moved to make room for Enns, such as Ricky Vanasco, Zack Short, and Enmanuel De Jesus. Given the current state of the team, there’s little to lose by bringing Enns back into the fold. His recent performances suggest he could be a solid addition, aside from a minor four-run hiccup.
Scott Harris, known for his penchant for making strategic pitching moves, often leaves fans scratching their heads. However, this potential acquisition of Enns could be a move that actually resonates with logic. With the Tigers in need of a reliable arm, Enns might just be the answer they’re looking for.