DETROIT — The Tigers made a bullpen swap, parting ways with one veteran right-handed reliever and bringing in another.
Carlos Hernández was designated for assignment after pitching on back-to-back days in Pittsburgh. Taking his place on the roster is Geoff Hartlieb, who was called up from Triple-A Toledo ahead of Detroit’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.
Hartlieb, 31, joined the Tigers on a minor-league deal just 10 days ago and made two appearances for Toledo. Earlier this month, the Yankees designated him for assignment, and after clearing waivers, he opted for free agency.
Though Hartlieb hasn’t held a steady major-league role since his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019–20, he’s continued to get opportunities thanks to his consistent Triple-A performances. This season with Triple-A Scranton, he logged 35 innings with 38 strikeouts and 10 walks.
Hartlieb leans heavily on his slider, throwing it about two-thirds of the time, with a fastball as his secondary pitch. He hails from Illinois and was drafted by the Pirates out of Lindenwood University in Missouri in 2016.
As for Hernández, the 28-year-old was claimed off waivers by Detroit in mid-June after being designated by the Phillies. Over five weeks with the Tigers, he allowed 12 earned runs on 13 hits in 10 2/3 innings, striking out 13 and walking six.
“We felt he was making progress, but it just wasn’t consistent enough,” said manager A.J. Hinch. “It wasn’t the right fit for us at this time.”
Prior to this, Hernández had pitched for the Royals for parts of five seasons. The Tigers had taken on the prorated portion of his $1.16 million salary when they claimed him. If he clears waivers, the team can outright him to Triple-A Toledo.
“There’s definitely a place for him in the majors,” Hinch added. “Just not for us at the moment.”
Note: The Tigers’ 40-man roster is currently full. Several players remain on the 60-day injured list and do not count against that total.
