Detroit, Michigan, September 20, 2025
News Summary
The Detroit Tigers have activated reliever Kyle Finnegan from the injured list, bolstering their bullpen ahead of a crucial series against the Atlanta Braves. Finnegan’s recovery from a groin injury has been critical, with his impressive performance before the injury, including a 3.21 ERA and 24 saves. The team’s bullpen struggled in his absence, ranking 20th in MLB. Manager A.J. Hinch sees Finnegan’s return as vital for improving team performance as they head towards the postseason.
Detroit, Michigan — The Detroit Tigers have activated reliever Kyle Finnegan from the injured list after his recovery from a groin injury. The move is seen as crucial for the Tigers as they prepare for an upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves. Finnegan officially rejoined the team on September 19, 2025, following his stay on the 15-day injured list due to a right adductor strain.
Finnegan had been sidelined since September 1, 2025, and had not pitched in a game since August 31, 2025. He began a rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Toledo on September 18, 2025, where he appeared in one game, throwing 13 pitches and striking out one batter in just 0.2 innings.
To make room for Finnegan on the roster, reliever Bailey Horn has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo. Finnegan, who is regarded as the Tigers’ best relief pitcher, had performed strongly prior to his injury, recording a 3.21 ERA along with 17 walks and 51 strikeouts over 53⅓ innings in 52 games. In fact, he achieved a remarkable 14⅓ scoreless innings during his time with the Tigers after joining from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline.
Finnegan’s effective performance this season includes 24 saves in 30 opportunities, of which he secured four saves since becoming a Tiger. His contribution has been especially important as the Tigers’ bullpen boasted a 2.98 ERA, leading all major league teams during August. However, following Finnegan’s injury, the bullpen’s effectiveness dipped significantly, ranking 20th in Major League Baseball (MLB) with a 5.04 ERA in September as they faced struggles in high-pressure situations.
During Finnegan’s absence, the Tigers relied on right-handed relievers Will Vest, Tommy Kahnle, and Rafael Montero to handle critical game scenarios. Compounding the pitching challenges, another right-handed reliever, Paul Sewald, is expected to be activated from the injured list shortly after completing his rehab assignment for a right shoulder strain. Sewald has not pitched in MLB since July 11, 2025, and has made only four appearances since April 28, 2025. Despite a 4.70 ERA with the Cleveland Guardians prior to his transfer to the Tigers, his return is anticipated to reinforce the team’s bullpen.
The Tigers’ overall pitching staff has faced persistent inconsistencies in recent weeks, resulting in a 4.65 ERA over the past 30 days, placing them 21st in the league. As the postseason approaches, manager A.J. Hinch has embraced Finnegan’s return as a vital step toward stabilizing the bullpen and improving team performance.
Finnegan’s comeback is expected to provide significant support as the Tigers aim to solidify their standing heading into crucial weeks of the regular season. With the team gearing up for their series against the Braves, there is hope that Finnegan’s presence will restore some reliability to a bullpen that has struggled in recent times.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Tigers Reinstate Kyle Finnegan
- Wikipedia: 2025 Chicago Cubs Season
- Freep: Kyle Finnegan Injury Update
- Google Search: Detroit Tigers
- SI: Tigers Star Closer Kyle Finnegan
- Google Scholar: Kyle Finnegan Tigers
- Detroit News: Tigers Activate Kyle Finnegan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Baseball
- MLive: Tigers Top Reliever Rehab Assignment
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
