Tigers Activate Jack Flaherty

Right-hander Jack Flaherty is rejoining the Tigers for the final game of the season, per a team announcement. He’ll take the place of lefty Brant Hurter, who was optioned to the club’s Florida Complex League affiliate. Flaherty has been on the 15-day IL since late July with right flexor inflammation.

River Ryan will get the ball for Detroit on Sunday. Flaherty is expected to cover some innings behind him. The veteran made two rehab appearances at Triple-A Toledo. Flaherty reached 39 pitches across 2 1/3 innings in his most recent outing.

Flaherty’s return amounts to a ceremonial sendoff as he prepares for free agency. It certainly won’t be the type of farewell franchise legend Justin Verlander received yesterday. Detroit inked Flaherty to a two-year, $35MM deal heading into the 2025 campaign. The club has gotten 50 starts of a mid-4.00s ERA out of him.

Detroit seemed to get Flaherty back on track when he first joined the organization. He came to the Tigers on a one-year, $14MM deal heading into the 2024 season after a disappointing year split between the Cardinals and Orioles. Flaherty put together a sub-3.00 ERA with a career-best 32% strikeout rate over 18 starts with the Tigers. Detroit shipped him to the Dodgers for catcher Thayron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney at the trade deadline. Flaherty was solid in L.A., but came right back to Detroit in free agency.

Flaherty hasn’t been effective since that 2024 season, but at least he can show he’s healthy heading into the winter with today’s appearance. The soon-to-be 31-year-old might be looking at a prove-it deal once again this offseason.