2026 Transactions: Tigers Select Sears, Arizona DFA Littell

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

2026 Transactions: Tigers Select Sears, Arizona DFA Littell

Originally posted on New Baseball Media | Last updated Aug 23, 2026 4:33 PM ET

Detroit promoted one of its better pitching prospects on August 23, as left-hander Andrew Sears was added to the club’s roster. Arizona, meanwhile, designated pitcher Zack Littell for assignment after three outings with the D-Backs.

Tigers promote Sears

The Tigers selected & promoted pitcher Andrew Sears from Triple-A Toledo.

Sears, a 10th-round pick three years ago out of UConn, spent the first part of 2026 on the injured list. But between four levels, the 23-year-old was excellent, as Sears struck out 67 over 58.1 IP, as well as a 2.16 ERA and just two home runs allowed on the year.

The left-hander was up to 97 MPH in Triple-A this season with his fastball. He’ll mix things up on hitters with either a changeup or a slider, the former of which sat in the mid-to-upper-80s. Lots of swing-and-miss on all four of his pitches with Toledo, albeit a small sample size.

(via New Baseball Media)

DFA’s

The Diamondbacks designated Zack Littell for assignment. That move comes just weeks after the club signed him after he was cut by the Washington Nationals.

Littell entered play on August 23 with 30 home runs allowed, one shy of Aaron Nola for the league lead in that category among pitchers. He tossed 4.2 scoreless innings in his first outing with the D-Backs. However, he allowed five home runs and 10 total earned runs over 7.1 IP in Littell’s final two outings.

Additionally, Chris Roycroft (Rays), John King (Marlins), Jarred Kelenic (Rangers), Michael Fulmer (Angels), and James Outman (Tigers) were also designated for assignment.