Tigers Call Up Dazzling Minor League Reliever Ahead of Doubleheader vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 2:12 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first game of their three game series against manager Don Kelly's team Tuesday before yesterday's rain out, giving AJ Hinch's team a chance to regroup.

The Tigers' bounce back win came on the heels of two losses in three games to the Cincinnati Reds and put Detroit back on the winning track as they secured their 47th victory of the season.

Today, the Tigers made an announcement on a player they have called up to serve as their 27th man heading into what is expected to be a challenging two-game set against the Pirates.

"RHP Dylan Smith has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo today to serve as the 27th man," Tigers PR wrote on X Thursday morning.

RHP Dylan Smith has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo today to serve as the 27th man.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) June 19, 2025

Smith has a 6.00 ERA in three innings pitched so far this season and has given up four hits and two earned runs.

The 74th overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft, Smith has been strong at the minor league level with an ERA of 2.45 in 18 games pitched. He's recorded three saves while striking out 37 hitters in 25.2 innings pitched at the minor league level.

Detroit's pitching staff has faced challenges in replacing Jackson Jobe recently. Jobe suffered an ulnar collateral ligament injury in his right elbow after a promising start to the season that saw him flex an impressive collection of pitches.

The Tigers will send Tarik Skubal to the mound in game one of today's double header but have not made a decision on who will face Paul Skenes of the Pirates at 5:40 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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