Tigers DFA inexperienced pitcher in wake of trade

The Tigers announced that right-hander Tyler Owens has been designated for assignment.  The move opens up roster space for Rafael Montero, acquired in a trade with the Braves.

The 24-year-old Owens made his MLB debut this season, appearing in three games with Detroit and allowing one earned run over three total innings.  He also walked three batters during his cups of coffee in the Show, which continues the severe control problems that have arisen for Owens this year at Triple-A Toledo.  A 14.8% walk rate over 30 innings with the Mud Hens has been a big reason behind Owens’ 5.40 ERA in his first taste of Triple-A ball, and his 19% strikeout rate is also pretty modest.

Owens has been on Toledo’s injured list due to a hip injury for the last two weeks, and he’ll now head into DFA limbo for the first time in his career.  A 13th-round pick for the Braves in the 2019 draft, Owens was dealt to the Rangers prior to the 2024 season, and was then traded to Detroit along with Liam Hicks almost exactly a year ago in the deal that sent Carson Kelly to Texas.