BREAKING: Detroit Tigers Confirms Another Major deal for right-hander

The Tigers have acquired right-hander Ricky Vanasco from the Dodgers, as announced by both teams. Detroit, having an open 40-man roster spot after trading Carson Kelly, has optioned Vanasco to Triple-A Toledo. The Dodgers, who recently designated Vanasco for assignment, will receive cash considerations in return.

Vanasco, now 25, was once a notable prospect for the Rangers but has faced challenges in recent years. He underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2020 and missed the entire 2021 season. Despite this, Texas protected him from the Rule 5 draft by adding him to the 40-man roster in November 2021.

He returned to pitching in 2022 with mixed results, posting a 4.68 ERA over 92 1/3 innings in the minors, striking out 28.9% of batters but walking 12.7%. In 2023, he required knee surgery, which sidelined him for several months. The Rangers designated him for assignment in May and traded him to the Dodgers.

Vanasco started well with the Dodgers but was later outrighted off their roster. In 30 minor league innings last year, he recorded a 1.20 ERA, striking out 35% of batters while reducing his walk rate to 8.1%. After becoming a free agent at the end of the season, he re-signed with the Dodgers on a major league deal.

In 2024, Vanasco has spent most of the season on optional assignment, where control issues resurfaced. In 23 1/3 Triple-A innings, he posted a 3.47 ERA with a 24.3% strikeout rate but an 18.9% walk rate. These control problems likely contributed to his departure from the Dodgers’ roster.

The Tigers will take a chance on Vanasco, who is in his final option season, allowing them to keep him in Toledo and work on his control. While they can evaluate him closely this season, he will be out of options next year. If he maintains his roster spot, Vanasco has just a few days of MLB service time and can be kept under team control for several years.