Tigers Cut Ties With Ryan Kreidler to Promote Lefty Reliever Drew Sommers..
Despite sitting atop the AL Central with a 77–53 record, the Detroit Tigers continue to fine-tune their roster in pursuit of the American League’s top seed. On Friday, they made a notable move by designating veteran infielder/outfielder Ryan Kreidler for assignment to make space for left-handed reliever Drew Sommers.
Kreidler struggled during his stint with the major league club earlier this season, managing just a .105 batting average in 38 plate appearances over 17 games. He was later sent down to Triple-A, where his performance improved — batting .251 with four home runs and 37 RBIs for Toledo. However, that wasn’t enough to earn a return to the big-league roster.
Instead, the Tigers opted to promote Sommers, who has been effective in the minors this year. Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, the lefty posted a 4-1 record with a 3.00 ERA and 63 strikeouts across 57 innings.
Sommers made his MLB debut Friday night against the Kansas City Royals, but it was a shaky start — he recorded just one out and issued two walks. Nonetheless, he’s expected to be part of Detroit’s bullpen as they push toward the postseason.
Although Kreidler was designated for assignment, he wasn’t on the active MLB roster. To open a spot on the 26-man roster for Sommers, reliever Alex Lange was optioned to Triple-A.
The Tigers, eyeing the No. 1 seed in the AL while fending off a red-hot Blue Jays team, continue to make aggressive moves to optimize their roster down the stretch.
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