Detroit Tigers fans couldn't have asked for a better 2025 performance as the MLB All-Star Game approaches. A 54-34 record through 88 games has A.J. Hinch's club on pace for 99 wins once all is said and done, giving the Tigers are legitimate chance at their first 100-win season in over 40 years.
It's going to be interesting to see if the Tigers can maintain their momentum in July. Detroit already opened the month by losing a series to the lowly Washington Nationals, though, so it's safe to say things could have started better.
Having said that, July isn't only starting off poorly for the Tigers, as one of their former pitchers is still struggling to find a new job this summer.
Former Tigers LHP Joe Mantiply is Still Looking for a Job in July
Veteran southpaw Joe Mantiply is one ex-Tiger who's stranded in the unemployment line. The former All-Star hurler has been with the Arizona Diamondbacks throughout the last six seasons; however, that partnership ended over a month ago when Mantiply was released by the D-backs after being designated for assignment.
Mantiply, 34, was one of the National League's more reliable relievers in the lead-up to the 2025 campaign. The Danville, VA native went 10-12 with a 3.63 ERA in 236 appearances (5 starts) for the Diamondbacks between 2020 and 2024, which includes 180 strikeouts in 198 1/3 innings as well as his first MLB All-Star appearance.
Unfortunately, the ex-Tigers hurler couldn't find similar success this season.
Mantiply's time with Arizona ended after he went 0-1 with a horrendous 15.83 ERA in 10 relief appearances, which involved allowing 13 earned runs and four homers in his last five outings alone. It's a performance reminiscent of when he tallied a 16.88 ERA in five games with the Tigers in 2016, playing a role in his being waived in the following offseason.
More than a month has passed since Mantiply was released, and he's yet to find another MLB opportunity. Pitching-related injuries happen all the time in baseball, so the fact that he's still unemployed to begin July is fairly telling about his job prospects (or lack thereof).
While it isn't easy to see someone go without a job, Mantiply's situation is his fault. The former Tigers reliever must capitalize on his next opportunity, whenever that arises, or risk being forced to close to book on his MLB career.