Twins unexpected roster release must force Tigers to act if opportunity arises

The Detroit Tigers bullpen ranks 15th in MLB with a 4.11 ERA. Kenley Jansen hasn't been the closer Scott Harris thought he acquired back this winter. Will Vest and Tyler Holton have taken noticeable steps back in what was supposed to be a breakout season for each.

If the Tigers can't find an answer from within — and it sure seems like they're running out of choices — perhaps Harris could add a solution off the waiver wire.

Detroit's prayers might've been answered in the form of Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Matt Bowman. The Twins righty was granted his release as the Twins didn't have room on their 40-man roster for him. Bowman had a 1.69 ERA and a 25;6 strikeout-to-walk ratio with Triple-A St. Paul. Add in a 54.5% ground ball rate, and you can understand why he'd be a popular pickup for the Tigers (or any team in need of another bullpen arm).

What Matt Bowman would add to the Tigers bullpen

Per Statcast data, the Tigers pitching staff has allowed over a 41% hard-hit rate, which is 2% more than the MLB average. That's not a recipe for success for any bullpen, especially one tasked with extra usage thanks to Tarik Skubal's injury. This is where Bowman comes in, as his weaker contact against right-handed hitters could provide some relief for Detroit's bullpen in the middle innings.

Bowman's last MLB experience came in 2025 with the Baltimore Orioles. He had a 6.20 ERA with one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball last season. While there's a chance Bowman was merely thriving against Triple-A hitters due to the vast gap in experience between minor-league competition and the majors at the plate, he's worth a flyer for a Tigers team that is falling out of the AL Central race rapidly. The Orioles were a complete disaster last year, so he gets a partial pass.

Add in Bowman's 28% strikeout rate to just a 6% walk rate, and you could have the answer the Tigers have been seeking at a relatively low cost, as this is the second time this season the 34-year-old has sought a way out of his contract.

Why Tigers fans are fed up with their bullpen year after year

2025 notwithstanding, the Tigers bullpen has been an issue ever since I started rooting for the squad in the early 2000's. Somehow, someway, Detroit's best pitchers tend to falter when the lights are brightest. Whether it be an untimely Jose Valverde blown save or Joel Zumaya missing games in the ALCS thanks to an injury suffered while playing guitar hero, it's always something with this group.

Bowman cannot solve decades of incompetence and inconsistent pitcher development, but he can provide the Tigers with another arm they desperately need. Entering the 2026 season, Tigers fans would've been shocked if the Twins trash became their treasure, but now is not the time for Harris's pride to get in the way.

A flyer, even on a pitcher with the flaws Bowman presents, is well worth the Tigers while.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow