Tigers send forgotten pitcher on rehab assignment for possible help in September

The Detroit Tigers announced on Tuesday that they have added relief pitcher Woo-Suk Go to the Single-A West Michigan roster as he starts a minor-league rehab assignment. Go signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers at the end of June and had been pitching with Triple-A Toledo, but an injury has kept him sidelined since the end of July.

Go's minor-league rehab assignment could have some impact on the Major League roster before the end of the month. If the Tigers' front office were looking for Go to be a potential bullpen piece for the postseason, he would need to be on their Major League roster by the end of August. Go isn't on the Tigers' 40-man roster, so there would need to be a corresponding move there as well.

The Tigers signed Go during a time when there were some questions lingering about the health of their Major League pitching staff, but after the moves at the trade deadline, Go likely is not at the forefront of names being considered for potential postseason roster eligibility.

In 13 and 1/3 innings pitched for Triple-A Toledo, Go has an ERA of 6.08. Add the fact that he is walking over 12% of the hitters he has faced since joining the Tigers' organization, and it's no secret why he has yet to make his Major League debut. If there is a silver lining to Go's initial run in Toledo, it's that he is striking out over 26% of batters.

Tigers quietly revive forgotten arm Woo-Suk Go

Go made the jump from the KBO to MLB when he signed with the San Diego Padres before the 2024 season, and found himself included in a notable trade. In May of last year, the Padres sent Go and three prospects to the Miami Marlins for Luis Arraez. Injuries defined Go's tenure with the Marlins, as he was cut loose by Miami earlier this season before reaching the majors.

As a September arm to possibly eat some innings while the Tigers prepare for their postseason run, Go could make sense once rosters expand. But the Tigers likely aren't racing to have him on the roster before the end of August, that's for sure. This is merely a reminder that the man exists, is all.