Tigers' trade deadline bites the dust again with latest Scott Harris roster move

For the most part, Scott Harris' trade deadline acquisitions have done quick work proving that the Tigers' strategy made little-to-no sense. Kyle Finnegan has yet to give up a run and has already put up three saves, but the rest — Chris Paddack, Charlie Morton, Rafael Montero — have already shown major cracks. And who knows if Paul Sewald will even pitch again this season?

The latest indictment on Harris' strategy arrived Wednesday: the Tigers optioned Codi Heuer, who was acquired in a cash trade with the Rangers, to Triple-A and reinstated Sawyer Gipson-Long from the IL.

Heuer was immediately optioned to Triple-A upon the trade but was called up when the Tigers DFA'd Luke Jackson. Heuer lasted all of five days and two appearances before the Tigers called it quits on him for the first time but probably not the last. He gave up a homer in his team debut against the Angels and then another run against the White Sox. But what else could the Tigers expect for a guy who came in a cash trade?

Tigers option trade deadline acquisition Codi Heuer to Triple-A, reinstate Sawyer Gipson-Long from IL

Gipson-Long has been MIA since July 2, spending his second stint on the IL of the season with neck stiffness. He was pulled from a rehab assignment that month after experiencing some setbacks, but returned two weeks later to make two starts in Triple-A for a 2.45 ERA. With the rotation full, the Tigers are likely to use him mostly in a long relief capacity, but Detroit is starting Troy Melton on Wednesday against the White Sox after moving him back to the bullpen, so anything is possible.

The trade for Heuer was perhaps the most underwhelming move of the Tigers' deadline — and that includes the deal they made for Rafael Montero. Heuer left Texas with a 6.75 ERA and has given the Tigers that exact production.

It was clear that Montero and Heuer were projects for pitching coach Chris Fetter, but any attempts to rehabilitate them clearly haven't taken hold yet. Meanwhile, the rest of the Tigers' bullpen has continued to struggle — Brant Hurter and Tommy Kahnle both gave up runs against the White Sox on Tuesday.

Sadly, this is just more ammo for the crowd enraged with Scott Harris' trade deadline maneuvering.