The unofficial first half of the 2025 MLB regular season has come to a close, as all the attention for the next two days is focused on the MLB All-Star break, which includes the home run derby and the actual All-Star Game.
The Detroit Tigers, who were one of the better teams in the first half, are well-represented in the All-Star Game, with six players making the trip to Atlanta, GA.
While the festivities are taking place, it hasn’t stopped some teams in the majors from making roster moves, and free-agent players from finding new opportunities. One of those players is ex-Tigers southpaw Joe Mantiply.
Mantiply began his major league career with the Tigers, making his debut during the 2016 season. He only appeared in five games in the Motor City, posting a 16.88 ERA across five appearances. Mantiply was placed on waivers at the end of the 2016 season, marking the end of his Detroit tenure.
Fast forward to 2025, where the veteran reliever was released at the beginning of last month by the Arizona Diamondbacks and did not find a new gig until now.
Ex-Tigers Pitcher Joe Mantiply Signs With Toronto Blue Jays
According to the MiLB.com’s transactions log, the ex-Tigers relief pitcher signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Mantiply was immediately assigned to the Jays’ Florida Complex League affiliate.
The 34-year-old Mantiply has had a rough 2025 campaign after being one of the more adequate relievers in baseball last season (3.92 ERA across 75 appearances). This season, the veteran left-handed pitcher had a ridiculous 15.83 ERA in 10 appearances out of the pen.
Mantiply allowed 26 hits, 17 earned runs, five home runs, three walks, and only racking up eight strikeouts in 9.2 innings pitched. Opponents were also hitting a blistering .481 off the ex-Detroit hurler.
The Diamondbacks shuttled the veteran between the majors and minor leagues over the first two months of the season. At Triple-A Reno, Mantiply was somewhat better as he had a 5.56 ERA in 10 appearances.
However, it wasn’t good enough for Arizona in the end, but now he’ll try to find his groove with the Blue Jays and get back to the minors.