Tigers bolster bullpen with signing of Tyler Kinley

Tyler Kinley. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tigers bolster bullpen with signing of former Braves reliever Tyler Kinley

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 24, 2026 5:15 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers have signed former Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Tyler Kinley to a major league deal to bolster their bullpen amid their recent struggles.

The veteran was designated for assignment on Aug. 18 and then officially released on Aug. 22. Across 49 games with the Braves this season, Kinley has sported a 6-5 record with a 4.01 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a 1.29 WHIP.

The 35-year-old will be active in the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. In order to make room for Kinley on the roster, the Tigers have optioned Ty Madden and designated Ricky Vanasco for assignment.

Kinley's arsenal contains an effective slider that generates swing and miss with a 29.8% whiff rate and a 26% strikeout rate, and he utilizes it 66% of the time.

The Tigers have signed RHP Tyler Kinley, who had a 4.01 ERA with the Braves this season. He will be active tonight.

Detroit has optioned Ty Madden and DFA’d Ricky Vanasco to clear room on the roster.

The Braves released Kinley two days ago.
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) August 24, 2026

What Tyler Kinley adds to the Tigers' bullpen

The Tigers added Kinley in order to stabilize a bullpen that ranks 11th in the league with a 3.89 bullpen ERA while also adding an experienced arm to a young group.

Despite his recent struggles, he had success with the Braves when they acquired him from the Colorado Rockies in 2025, posting a 5-0 record with 0.72 ERA across 24 games.

Kinley carries value as a weapon against right-handed batters with his slider. As well, he will help to shoulder the middle relief corps and also provide depth as a reliever who is pitching in his ninth MLB season.

He is considered a low-risk addition who also has prior experience pitching as a high-leverage closer with 20 career saves with the Rockies.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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