Tigers Facing Decision Immediately After Fifth Straight Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 4:21 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers are spiraling. Once leading the Cleveland Guardians by 15.5 games in the American League Central division, Detroit has dropped five straight games and now leads Cleveland by just one in the loss column.

Looking well on their way to snapping the skid and picking up a much-needed victory on Saturday over the Atlanta Braves, the Tigers received a huge go-ahead two-run home run by Spencer Torkelson in the seventh. This put Detroit up 5-3 before disaster struck again via the bullpen.

After Kyle Finnegan gave one run back on Nacho Alvarez's second home run of the game, Detroit turned to closer Will Vest for a one-run save in the ninth.

Just like he did in his last outing, when he suffered a loss against the Guardians, Vest surrendered multiple runs. Recording just two outs, the right-hander gave up four hits and two earned runs which gave Atlanta a 6-5 lead.

Atlanta's closer Raisel Iglesias was able to nail down the save, pinning the loss again on Vest. In his last two outings, Detroit's closer has given up five earned runs and taken the loss in both games. As the Tigers attempt to save their season, the team faces a decision on potentially moving Vest out of the closer role.

Detroit Tigers Could Make Kyle Finnegan Their Closer as AL Central Slips Away

Welcoming Finnegan back from the injured list on Saturday, Detroit reinserted its big trade deadline addition into his eighth inning setup role. While he also gave up a run, Finnegan has an elite 0.59 ERA in 13 games for the Tigers. He is four-for-four in save opportunities, and may need to start receiving more as Detroit cannot afford anymore blown games by Vest.

Finnegan was acquired at the deadline from the Washington Nationals. An All-Star in 2024, the 34-year-old veteran has been a rare bright spot in the second half for Detroit and could be in line for an immediate promotion.

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

More must-reads: