Tigers shake up bullpen, swapping lefty relievers ahead of Mets matchup

Christopher Damond

Tigers shake up bullpen, swapping lefty relievers ahead of Mets matchup image

The Detroit Tigers shook up their bullpen before Tuesday night’s game vs. the New York Mets. 

Left-handed reliever Drew Sommers was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after surrendering a two-run, go-ahead triple in Monday’s series-opening loss to the Mets.

Left-handed reliever Bailey Horn was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to replace Sommers, Tigers PR announced on X. 

Breaking down Detroit’s bullpen moves

Sommers made his MLB debut on Aug. 22 and appeared in four games before his option, yielding six earned runs across just three innings for an 18.00 ERA. 

The Tigers were hoping he’d help their bullpen in October, but Sommers struggled in crucial moments against left-handed hitters, who recorded four of the seven hits he allowed over four games, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press

However, Sommers impressed in the minor leagues before his call-up, holding a 2.53 ERA in 42 games across Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo this season.

Horn returns to the majors after several brief stints with the Tigers this season. Prior to his recall, he last pitched for Detroit on Aug. 17 before being optioned the following day. He had a 1.50 ERA over five relief appearances entering Tuesday night’s matchup vs. the Mets. 

Here’s Petzold’s analysis on Horn:

“Horn, 27, has potential from a fastball that averages 95.6 mph and a sweeper that generates a 46.7% whiff rate, but he walks too many batters.”

Horn has allowed 15 free passes to 19 strikeouts throughout his 23-game MLB career, which includes a season with the Boston Red Sox in 2024. He was originally a fifth-round pick in the 2020 Draft by the Chicago White Sox.  

Christopher Damond

Christopher Damond is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2023 graduate of the University of Miami, where he was sports editor of the student newspaper. He's covered national sporting events for the Miami Herald, including the NCAA Men's Final Four, and has served in media relations roles for the Kansas City Royals and Miami Dolphins. Follow him @damond1chris.