Demoted Tigers closer's season gets even worse with Triple-A injured list trip

After he spent the 2024 season as the Detroit Tigers' primary closer, things have gone from bad to worse for Jason Foley in 2025.

The 29-year-old, who had been a full-time member of the Tigers’ bullpen for the last three seasons before a surprise option to Triple-A Toledo at the end of spring training this year, has now landed on the 7-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. He left his last appearance on April 12 after experiencing discomfort and hasn't pitched in a game since.

Foley has pitched to a spotless ERA this season, striking out nine and permitting just one hit over 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his first five appearances with Toledo. It remains unclear how long he might be sidelined, but any hope he may have had for a swift return to the big leagues now feels out of reach.

Former Tigers closer Jason Foley opens up after season gets even worse with Triple-A injured list trip

Suffice it to say, nothing about this season has gone according to plan for Foley. He had been a full-time Major Leaguer with the Tigers since 2022, posting three straight sub-4.00 ERAs during that time while also converting 35 out of his 42 save opportunities – and yet, Detroit demoted him to Triple-A to start the season in 2025.

Foley recently opened up to Tony Paul of the Detroit News about the Tigers' surprising decision, noting that he is working on some tweaks to his mechanics per the club's request.

"It's pretty shocking," Foley said. "I obviously wasn't thrilled about it. ... I was pissed. I was frustrated, you know, all those emotions. ... It stinks. I mean, I've been on the team for three years in a row. A lot of my good friends are on the team and I was a big part of it last year, and it sucks to be told that you're not good enough to be on the team anymore. But you have two options. It's either sit here and sulk or try to get better and address the things they wanted me to address and get called back up. So that's what I'm trying to do."

Foley added that he had the utmost confidence that he would be back in the big leagues "soon." Unfortunately, with his injury setback, "soon" is now looking much farther away.

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