Tigers receive troubling news regarding bullpen reinforcement, 2024 playoff stalwart

With October looming large, the Detroit Tigers just lost what could have been a key bullpen depth piece for the rest of the year.

Beau Brieske has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season, including the postseason, per a report from Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The right-handed reliever experienced a setback in his recent bullpen session while rehabbing an elbow injury, requiring him to be shut down from throwing for 4-6 weeks.

Brieske hasn't pitched in a game since July 8 with Triple-A Toledo, and he hasn't pitched for the Tigers since June 11 – the day before he was optioned back to Triple-A. With the Tigers, he posted a 6.55 ERA with 12 walks and 16 strikeouts across 22 innings in 22 games this season.

Brieske continued to struggle following his demotion, pitching to a 9.90 ERA with nine walks and eight strikeouts over 10 innings in nine games with Toledo. Still, there was hope that a minor league reset could help him rediscover his stuff in time for a September (or October) return.

Last year in the postseason, Brieske was a key member of the bullpen, logging six innings of one-run ball against the Astros and Guardians. He struck out six batters and allowed just one hit and two walks.

Tigers get worst possible news on key bullpen reinforcement Beau Brieske

At this time, according to Petzold, Brieske's injury does not require surgery. Still, it's a brutal blow to a Tigers pitching staff that is in need of reinforcements down the stretch as they gear up for what they hope will be another deep playoff run.

The update on Brieske comes just days after Toledo placed left-handed reliever Brant Hurter on the 7-day injured list. Hurter, who was optioned to Triple-A on Aug. 17, has yet to pitch in a game since being demoted due to low back soreness he experienced following his first bullpen session.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch told reporters (including Petzold) that Hurter's injury isn't expected to be serious and that he won't be shut down from throwing. Still, there is still no clear timeline for his return, adding to the unease and uncertainty surrounding the Tigers' bullpen situation down the stretch and into the postseason.

Despite the additions the Tigers made at the trade deadline, their bullpen lacks strikeout punch, remains inconsistent beyond its top performers and has limited lefty options – all of which are critical for October baseball. Without further reinforcements or major internal turn-arounds, Detroit may lack the depth and consistency needed to hold leads in the playoffs.

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