Texas Rangers announced that they have traded right-handed reliever Codi Heuer to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations. In addition to bringing in some extra money, the move clears a spot on the Rangers’ 40-man roster—likely in preparation for another bullpen acquisition as the trade deadline looms. On the Tigers’ end, they made corresponding moves by optioning Heuer to Triple-A Toledo and designating left-handed pitcher Dietrich Enns for assignment, meaning he could be claimed by another team or become a free agent in the coming days.
Heuer had joined the Rangers on a minor league deal during the offseason and received a brief call-up to the big league club on June 1. However, he only appeared in one game, throwing 1 1/3 innings while surrendering a home run before being optioned back to Triple-A Round Rock just days later. That brief outing marked Heuer’s first appearance at the major league level since 2021. Despite limited big-league action, the 6-foot-5 reliever has had a strong showing in the upper minors this season, recording a 3.43 ERA and an impressive 31% strikeout rate over 35 appearances.
Given the circumstances, it’s likely that Texas saw the 29-year-old Heuer as a potential DFA (designated for assignment) candidate if they were able to land a more impactful bullpen arm before the trade deadline. Instead of waiting until that move was finalized, the front office acted proactively by dealing Heuer now and freeing up a roster spot while also gaining some financial flexibility.
For Detroit, this trade represents a low-risk opportunity to grab a high-velocity reliever who has shown strong results in Triple-A and still has minor league options remaining. Heuer features a fastball that averages around 96 mph and pairs it with a solid mid-80s slider. However, he also comes with a lengthy injury history, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022 and suffering a fractured elbow that required another procedure in 2023.
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As for Dietrich Enns, the veteran left-hander had been called up by the Tigers just last month. He pitched in seven games and logged 17 2/3 innings, posting a 5.60 ERA. While those major league results were underwhelming, Enns has been dominant in Triple-A Toledo, where he posted a 2.89 ERA and a 26.7% strikeout rate over 14 starts. His fate will now be determined on the waiver wire, where another club could take a chance on his minor league success and veteran presence.
