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Tigers make statement and DFA veteran reliever after getting shellacked by Reds

ByEmma Lingan|
Mar 24, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher John Brebbia (49) delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Mar 24, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher John Brebbia (49) delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The John Brebbia experiment in Detroit is officially over, as the Tigers designated the veteran reliever for assignment on Sunday following yet another rocky outing. The club has also recalled right-hander Tyler Owens from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move.

Brebbia signed a one-year, $2.75 million free agent contract with the Tigers in February, earning $2.25 million in 2025 with a $500,000 buyout of a $4 million club option for the 2026 season. At this point, it stands to reason that the club will likely eat the remaining money owed on Brebbia’s contract.

A reliable bullpen arm for most of his career, Brebbia joined the Tigers as somewhat of a reclamation project after a shaky 2024 season that saw him pitch to a 5.86 ERA over 55 1/3 innings with the Chicago White Sox. Despite joining an objectively better team in Detroit, Brebbia has actually seen those numbers worsen this year with a 7.71 ERA over 18 2/3 innings and an 11.8% walk rate as a member of the Tigers.

Brebbia also spent nearly three weeks on the injured list with a triceps strain this year, which hasn't done him any favors. The 35-year-old had a 1.00 ERA in nine innings over eight appearances prior to his IL stint, but he has since been lit up for a 13.97 ERA in 9 2/3 innings and 11 appearances following his return.

Tigers make statement and DFA veteran reliever John Brebbia after Reds rout

Brebbia's last two outings with the Tigers were particularly rough, as he allowed six runs over 1 1/3 innings in a span of two days against the Cincinnati Reds.

If another club trades for Brebbia during his DFA period or puts in a waiver claim, the Tigers will be off the hook for paying the remainder of his salary.  If he clears waivers, though, Detroit will have to pay his remaining salary while the new team that signs him will owe him just the prorated portion of the MLB minimum salary. 

Brebbia's career ERA of 4.00 seven-plus seasons of Major League experience should be enough to earn him another opportunity this season, likely on a minor league deal. In the meantime, the Tigers will rely on Owens to help stabilize their bullpen as they look to retain the top spot in the American League.

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