Detroit Tigers Release Two Veteran Pitchers

The Detroit Tigers have made the decision to part ways with right-handed pitchers Heath Hembree and Trevor Rosenthal.

Hembree, a seasoned 11-year veteran, joined the Tigers on a minor league contract in May after being released by the Boston Red Sox.

RELEASED: #Tigers have released RHP Heath Hembree and RHP Trevor Rosenthal.
— MLB Transaction Tracker (@MLBMovesTracker) July 2, 2023

However, his time with the team was cut short due to a forearm injury, limiting him to just six appearances with Triple-A Toledo. Despite being activated from the injured list recently, the Tigers have chosen to release Hembree, leaving him in search of another opportunity with another team on a minor league agreement.

As for Rosenthal, who also signed a minor league contract with the Tigers in March, his journey has been plagued by injuries.

The 33-year-old right-handed pitcher was attempting a comeback at Triple-A Toledo, but arm pain forced him to be shut down.

In mid-June, he underwent elbow surgery, which will sideline him for the remainder of the 2023 season and possibly beyond.

The Tigers have released veteran relievers Heath Hembree and Trevor Rosenthal.

Both were signed to minor-league deals earlier this year but have spent most of their Tigers' tenure on the minor-league IL.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) July 2, 2023

Rosenthal, known for his impressive performance in the shortened 2020 season with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres, where he achieved a remarkable 1.90 ERA and recorded 11 saves, now faces a long road to recovery.

It is unlikely that he will return to the mound until at least the second half of 2024.

Both Hembree and Rosenthal's releases from the Tigers mark unfortunate turns of events in their respective careers.

Hembree's brief stint with the team was marred by injuries, while Rosenthal's ongoing elbow issues have cast doubt on his future in the game. Both pitchers will now look to find opportunities elsewhere as they aim to continue their baseball journeys. Photo Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports