The Detroit Tigers are still looking for ways to bolster their 26-man roster as they make a push for the AL Central title and a top-two seed in the American League.
The Tigers know that for them to reach their ultimate goal, a World Series title, they will need Riley Greene to play like an All-Star for the rest of the season, and for certain starting pitchers to get their act together.
The same can be said for players in Detroit’s bullpen as well. The Tigers’ relievers have been terrific thus far this month, posting a 2.74 ERA (third-best in the majors) and holding opponents to a .216 BABIP (tops in MLB).
Speaking of the bullpen, a struggling veteran relief pitcher, who was designated for assignment by Detroit earlier this month, has surprisingly found a new job with just weeks left in the regular season.
Ex-Tigers Hurler Luke Jackson Signs with Seattle Mariners
According to MiLB.com’s transaction log, former Tigers relief pitcher Luke Jackson signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
Jackson was immediately assigned to Triple-A Tacoma, where he hopes to put together a few quality bullpen appearances to get back to the big leagues. Coincidentally, Jackson isn’t the only former Tiger to join the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate recently.
Before signing Jackson, the Mariners inked Michael Fulmer to a minor league pact earlier this week.
As for Jackson, he’ll try to get back on track after a rough showing with the Tigers. He joined Detroit on July 26 after the Texas Rangers designated him for assignment.
Jackson made three appearances out of the bullpen with the Tigers and produced a 7.71 ERA. The right-handed relief pitcher got hammered in his first outing, allowing four earned runs, three walks, and two hits, while only getting one strikeout in ⅔ innings against the Toronto Blue Jays.
After that, Jackson would pitch two innings each in his final two appearances for Detroit. Then, the Tigers designated the veteran reliever for assignment on August 8. Two days later, he was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo and elected free agency, leading him to join Seattle.
The 2025 season has been a journey for Jackson, who wasn’t impressive with the Rangers and couldn’t stick with the Tigers. However, he’s been gifted another chance to prove himself and show he belongs back in the majors.