Tigers promote trade deadline acquisition and DFA former World Series champ

The Detroit Tigers officially added a new arm to their bullpen on Friday in what will reveal more about president of baseball operations Scott Harris' trade deadline.

Per Detroit Free Press’ Evan Petzold, Detroit promoted right-hander Codi Heuer from Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.

“A new reliever has entered Comerica Park,” Petzold wrote. The Detroit Tigers promoted right-handed reliever Codi Heuer from Triple-A Toledo on Friday, Aug. 8, before the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.”

Harris acquired Heuer, 29, from the Texas Rangers on July 31 for cash considerations in a move that some viewed as more or less inconsequential. In two appearances with Triple-A Toledo since the trade, Heuer has not surrendered a run.

Originally a sixth-round selection by the Chicago White Sox in the 2018 MLB Draft, Heuer was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2021 and shortly after underwent Tommy John surgery, keeping him out of the entire 2022 season. While rehabbing in June 2023, Heuer fractured his elbow. He was ultimately non-tendered by the Cubs and later signed a minor league deal with Texas in April 2024.

Petzold also reported that right-hander Luke Jackson was designated for assignment to make space for Heuer. Jackson, also a former Ranger, was released by Texas on July 24 and signed by the Tigers two days later. Many fans were initially intrigued by the addition of Jackson since he was instrumental in the Braves' 2021 World Series run. But it's unknown if he'll return after the DFA.

With Heuer being promoted, it’s reasonable to assume that he’ll see some action for the Tigers soon, but it’s also important to acknowledge that throwing Heuer into the fire would represent a significant leap of faith from Harris and Detroit’s management. Before pitching 1 1/3 innings for the Rangers this season, Heuer hadn’t appeared on an MLB mound since 2021, mostly due to the aforementioned injuries.

Harris must see something in Heuer, which explains why he became the fourth reliever added to the Tigers organization before the deadline.

Harris was criticized for his deadline strategy, in many cases unfairly. However, multiple arms acquired by Harris at the end of July have already made positive contributions for Detroit, including Kyle Finnegan and Charlie Morton. If the Tigers can get anything at all from Heuer in the form of quality innings, Harris will have even more reason to smile in the face of his doubters.

Detroit, 66-50, entered Friday with a six-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the America League Central. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was scheduled to face off against veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks to open up the series against the Angels at Comerica Park.