DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers are moving veteran right-handed starter Chris Paddack to the bullpen.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Paddack will be available to pitch in relief beginning with Tuesday night’s game against the New York Mets.
Paddack is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA in six starts since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline. He’s struck out only 14 batters in 30 innings and has allowed eight home runs.
The 29-year-old, a former top prospect, has battled injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries, since a strong 2019 rookie season with the San Diego Padres. He posted a 4.95 ERA (4.39 FIP) in 111 innings over 21 starts with the Twins in 2025.
To acquire Paddack, the Tigers sent young catching prospect Enrique Jimenez to the Twins and agreed to take on the salary of veteran pitcher Randy Dobnak, who was assigned to Triple-A Toledo. Paddack will be a free agent after this season.
The move to the bullpen could serve as a tryout for a postseason role as a multi-inning reliever.
Right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long, scheduled to start Tuesday, will take Paddack’s spot in the rotation for now, joining Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize and Charlie Morton.
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