Tigers announce addition of former Dodgers pitcher

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Jul 8, 2025 - 21:30
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Tigers announce addition of former Dodgers pitcher

The Detroit Tigers are looking for any way to bolster their pitching staff as they head towards a postseason run. While there will be plenty of trade talks over the next few weeks, the Tigers went out and signed a free agent to a deal for depth purposes.

According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors.com, the Tigers have agreed to sign Devin Smeltzer to a minor league deal and release Manuel Margot in a corresponding move.

Smeltzer joins the Tigers' Triple-A pitching staff, as he looks to make an MLB comeback after not pitching since the 2023 MLB season with the Miami Marlins. The 29-year-old pitched in just nine games for Miami with a 6.45 ERA.

A year ago in 2024, Smeltzer pitched in 24 games in Triple-A and had a 3.69 ERA through 31.2 innings with 32 strikeouts and 13 walks.

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He began his professional career with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being drafted by them in 2016. Smeltzer was later traded with other players to the Minnesota Twins for Brian Dozier. 

Smeltzer spent the bulk of his time in the Majors with the Twins, where across four seasons, he had a 3.99 ERA in 34 appearances from 2019 to 2022. He struck out 96 batters and walked 37 during his time in Minnesota.

While not the most prominent reliever, he was a decent piece during his time in the Majors, contributing 1.6 WAR in four years with the Twins. Now, he's heading to Detroit's minor league system to potentially work his way back to the majors.

The former Dodgers, Twins, and Marlins lefty reliever is looking to make it back to the majors. With the Tigers looking to add more depth to their bullpen, Smeltzer could see a spot in the Majors if he pitches well in Triple-A. 

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