The Tigers have made an important roster change. Right-hander Kenley Jansen is now on the 15-day injured list due to pelvic inflammation. To fill his spot, the team has recalled left-hander Drew Sommers.
Jansen’s health has been a concern for a while. He struggled with a groin issue, listed as day-to-day on May 2, and only pitched once between April 30 and May 9. Recently, he tried to play through the pain but was forced to leave a game after facing three batters. He got two outs but didn’t look right, prompting a trainer visit.
This season hasn’t been Jansen’s best. After signing a hefty $11 million contract in the offseason, he has a 4.80 ERA over 15 innings. While his strikeout rate of 30.6% is promising, his walk rate has surged to 14.5%, a stark contrast to his career average of 7.8%. At 38 years old, he’s still capable but clearly needs time to recover.
The Tigers are already struggling with injuries. Jansen is the 15th player on the injured list, putting pressure on the team, which currently holds a 22-34 record. Five relievers, including Beau Brieske and Bailey Horn, are also sidelined, complicating the team’s strategy.
With Jansen out, the Tigers will rely on pitchers like Kyle Finnegan, Will Vest, and Tyler Holton. Finnegan has a low 1.75 ERA, but his stats suggest luck has played a role; his strikeout rate is well below average, and he’s walking a high percentage of batters. Meanwhile, Vest’s 7.88 ERA doesn’t reflect his actual performance, as his metrics indicate he should be doing better. Holton’s ERA has risen mostly due to bad fortune rather than a decline in skills.
Jansen’s contract includes a $9 million salary and a buyout option that affects future decisions. His performance upon returning will be key, especially if the Tigers consider trading him. Given their current record, they might look to sell before the summer deadline. Jansen could attract interest from contenders aiming to bolster their bullpens.
As the situation evolves, fans will be keeping a close eye not just on Jansen’s recovery, but how the team adapts to ongoing challenges.
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