Tigers Add Struggling Reliever to the IL

Vest spent time last year as the Tigers' primary closer, but has failed to return to form in 2026. He picked up 23 saves last year with a solid 3.01 ERA, 1.209 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts in 68.2 innings of work. This season has been an entirely different story for Vest. In 27 appearances, Vest has a bloated 6.08 ERA and 1.425 WHIP, with a noticeable tick down in his velocity.

The move marks just the latest on a long list of injuries to the Tigers' pitching staff this year. Notable absences include Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jackson Jobe, Justin Verlander , and closer Kenley Jansen, which have left the team nine games back of the division-leading Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

Detroit is also 6.5 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot, and has failed to make up any substantial ground even with Skubal back on the mound. With the MLB All-Star Break looming, trade rumors involving Skubal have continued to heat up ahead of the trade deadline in early August.

As of now, Vest does not have a timetable for return, which alters the Tigers' approach from the bullpen. Kyle Finnegan and Drew Anderson will likely step into more high-leverage situations to support Jansen in save situations. In a corresponding move, the Tigers recalled reliever Beau Brieske from Triple-A Toledo. Brieske was optioned a couple of weeks ago, but could also immediately be called upon to fill a high-leverage role in the bullpen.

The Tigers will play Game 3 of their series against the New York Yankees on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.