Detroit Tigers: Tyler Collins returns to roster, Arcenio Leon released

Detroit Tigers fans will see a familiar face return to the team on Monday as Tyler Collins rejoins the 40-man roster. Arcenio Leon was released to make room.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Tyler Collins is back with the team.

The 27-year-old recently appeared in 40 games for Detroit earlier this season, and has logged 529 plate appearances in 174 games for the Tigers dating back to 2014.

However, Collins was removed from the 40-man roster following a spell that saw him hit just .200 with a .288 on-base percentage in 146 plate appearances.

He also registered a 66 wRC+ and a -0.1 WAR in the Majors this season.

Now, the outfielder is back on the 40-man roster.

The Tigers announced the move in a tweet on the team’s official Twitter account Monday morning.

Detroit tweeted:

"“The #Tigers today have purchased the contract of OF Tyler Collins from Triple A Toledo.”"

The team also announced a corresponding move in a follow-up tweet.

"“To make room for Collins on the 40-man roster, the #Tigers have given RHP Arcenio Leon his unconditional release.”"

Collins gives the Tigers an added outfield option down the stretch.

Before purchasing his contract, Detroit was utilizing a mix of Mikie Mahtook, Alex Presley, JaCoby Jones and Andrew Romine.

Additionally, Nicholas Castellanos has started seeing time in right field as of late.

Similar to Mahtook, Collins should give the team a source of pop and speed.

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If he can hit more consistently, Collins could still develop into a long-term piece for the Tigers. Just 27-years-old, the outfielder—per Spotrac—is controllable through the 2021 campaign.

What’s more, if he can find the form he showcased at Triple-A Toledo, it would go a long way towards helping him stick on the 40-man roster past the end of the season.

In 296 plate appearances for the Mud Hens this season, Collins turned in a .820 OPS, 128 wRC+, 46 RBI, 25 extra-base hits and 11 stolen bases.

Arcenio Leon

Making way for the outfielder on the 40-man roster is Arcenio Leon.

The former Houston farmhand appeared in six games for the Tigers in 2017, allowing nine earned runs, seven hits and six walks in 6.2 innings. He struck out two of the 31 batters he faced.

All told, that spits out to a 12.15 ERA, a 5.25 FIP, a 1.950 WHIP and 9.5 hits and 8.1 walks allowed per nine innings.

In 26 outings with Toledo, the hard-throwing right-hander logged a 5.24 ERA and a 1.254 WHIP spread across 22.1 innings. He recorded 10 saves and 21 strikeouts.

Leon’s departure continues to put the focus on youth in the bullpen.

Detroit was already utilizing Joe Jimenez and Daniel Stumpf in the bullpen, and now Jairo Labourt, Zac Reininger and Victor Alcantara are pitching out of Brad Ausmus’ bullpen.

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Leon was one of just three players not on the 40-man roster not to be called up during September. The others include prospects Sandy Baez and Dawel Lugo, as well as veteran outfielder Jim Adduci.