The Detroit Tigers own the best record in the American League and some would debate that they are the best team in baseball as the calendar rolls through June. With a 43-24 record entering Tuesday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles, the Tigers are on track to reach the postseason for the second straight year and a key reason has been their bullpen.
Tigers relievers have been outstanding this season with the fifth-lowest ERA in baseball at 3.30. But there was a time when Detroit’s bullpen was leaky and had plenty of arms that are no longer with the team. That includes one player who has been on a tour throughout baseball since spending one season with the Tigers in 2021 and is now looking for a new team after he was cut for the third time this season.
Former Tigers Reliever Jose Ureña DFA’d by Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told several reporters including Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic that the team will designate veteran reliever Jose Ureña for assignment. The move will be made to call up fellow reliever Matt Sauer ahead of Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres and continues a whirlwind season for the 33-year-old.
José Ureña will be the odd man out as the Dodgers call up Matt Sauer tomorrow, per Dave Roberts.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 10, 2025
Ureña began his season with the New York Mets but was allowed five earned runs in his lone appearance with the team. That was enough for his first DFA of the year and he latched on with the Toronto Blue Jays in May. While he threw 12.1 innings for the Blue Jays, he also earned five earned runs and looked for a third team after being designated for assignment and opting for free agency. While he allowed just one earned run in two appearances (three innings) with the Dodgers, Los Angeles opted to go with Sauer and leave Ureña looking for work.
The right-hander broke into the majors with the Miami Marlins in 2015 and spent six seasons with his original team before coming to Detroit in 2021. His time with the Tigers didn’t go well as he posted a 4-8 record and 5.81 ERA in 26 appearances (18 starts) and it started a stretch where Ureña has pitched for eight different teams over the past five seasons.
Monday’s news ensures that Ureña will be looking for a ninth team and the Tigers are probably not interested in a reunion. With a dangerous pitching staff leading the way, Detroit has its eyes on its first division title since 2014 and potentially a shot at the American League pennant.