Tigers reportedly cut ties with former top prospect

Matt Manning was expected to be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for the Detroit Tigers when he was selected with the ninth pick of the 2016 MLB Draft. Instead, his time in Detroit may have quietly come to an end.

Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reported that the Tigers have designated Manning for assignment. His spot on the 40-man roster will go to reliever Paul Sewald, who was acquired Thursday morning in a trade with the Guardians.

A consensus top 100 prospect in 2017, 2020 and 2021, Manning was lauded for his upper 90s fastball and plus curve. While there were questions about his command, Manning's athleticism gave hope that he would reach his potential.

Instead, a laundry list of injuries held Manning back. He has yet to make more than 18 appearances in the majors in any year. While he had flashes of his potential, Manning had posted a 4.43 ERA and a 1.287 WHIP over his 254 innings over parts of four seasons with the Tigers, striking out 178 batters with 85 walks.

The writing was on the wall in spring training. The Tigers' improved rotation left no room for Manning as he was one of the first players reassigned to the minor league camp. 

While the Tigers felt that minor adjustments would get Manning back to Detroit, he has struggled in a relief role in Triple-A. Manning had posted a 6.04 ERA and a 1.618 WHIP over 50.2 innings for the Toledo Mud Hens, striking out 52 batters with 37 walks.

It is possible that Manning stays in the Tigers' organization if he can pass through waivers unclaimed. However, given his former top prospect pedigree and ability to be optioned to the minors this season, another team may be willing to take a chance on the 27-year-old. Manning's time in Detroit may have come to a disappointing end.