The acquisition of Codi Heuer at the trade deadline seemed like a long-term gamble for the Tigers. He had been working for the Rangers, but they weren’t very impressed with him and only agreed to let him move to Detroit in exchange for money. That is uncommon for a good pitcher with big-league experience who is only 28 years old.
It is reasonable to question if Heuer, who has undergone surgery to repair a broken elbow and Tommy John, is still a good pitcher. He only pitched 12.2 innings at all levels in three years, essentially missing 2022–2024 due to injury, and is currently attempting to regain his form.
He may be effective in 2026 given his age and the fact that he had a decent bullpen arm when he joined the White Sox in the major leagues in 2020. He showed some potential as a Tigers deadline addition in that regard.
Codi Heuer Arrives in Detroit
The Tigers’ bullpen has been among the worst in baseball for the past month, and the organization is having trouble finding solutions. Despite the fact that Heuer has only had one MLB appearance since 2021, the Tigers were desperate enough to acquire him after two scoreless games at Triple-A Toledo.
Luke Jackson (4.2 innings, 7.71 ERA) has been designated for assignment by the Tigers, and Heuer is now up with them.
RHP Codi Heuer has a locker in the Tigers’ clubhouse, according to a report by Evan Woodbery of the Free Press on Twitter/X. Luke Jackson, who has been DFA’d, is replaced by him.
Tigers Bullpen Among MLB’s Worst
The bullpen has been the Tigers’ biggest troublesome area, according to Brandon Day of the SB Nation website Bless You Boys.
He wrote: “The Tigers bullpen is in the bottom five in the league in terms of both ERA and FIP after a rather strong start to the season over the past 30 days. Despite having a mediocre hard hit rate, they are giving up the worst barrel percentage in baseball. They rank 27th in terms of strikeout rate over that time, but their walks allowed are mediocre.
With a slew of new pitchers acquired at the deadline, the Tigers attempted to remedy the deficiencies among the relievers. The issue has been that they were number rather than quality movements.
Heuer could have a breakthrough. However, Detroit’s bullpen is still in desperate shape as of right now.
