The Detroit Tigers are looking to put the finishing touches on a terrific 2025 season by first winning the AL Central and next capturing a top-two seed in the playoffs, which guarantees them a spot in the ALDS.
However, for the Tigers to achieve both of these goals, they need everyone to play at their best and show up on a nightly basis. For those who play well, it likely solidifies their chances of being on the postseason roster.
But for the guys who struggle or go through a slump, they could be getting a first-class ticket to the minor leagues, or worse, getting DFA’d. That is what happened to one former Tigers veteran outfielder, who was recently with one of Detroit’s division rivals.
Now this player will hope to join another team as there aren’t that many weeks remaining in the regular season.
OF Mark Canha has been returned from his rehab assignment and designated for assignment.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 18, 2025
Ex-Tigers OF Mark Canha Gets Sent Packing by Kansas City Royals
On Monday afternoon, the Kansas City Royals announced that veteran outfielder Mark Canha had returned from his rehab assignment and was designated for assignment.
The 36-year-old Canha joined the Royals’ organization in late March, days before Opening Day, after being traded by the Milwaukee Brewers. Canha had his contract selected by Kansas City a couple of days after, but wasn’t with the big league club for long.
The veteran outfielder was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left abductor strain on April 9. From there, Canha was sent on a rehab assignment to Triple-A six days later and was back with the big league team on April 19.
The ex-Tiger was able to stay injury-free for a couple of months, until he went on the 10-day IL again, this time with left elbow epicondylitis on July 8. Canha didn’t go on a rehab assignment to Double-A earlier this month.
The 36-year-old outfielder played in three games at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he hit .273 with a home run and five RBI. Then he moved on to Triple-A Omaha.
In nine games with the Storm Chasers, Canha slugged a dismal .222 with a double, a home run, six walks, and nine strikeouts. As for his time with the Royals, Canha was a non-factor, hitting .212 with a home run and six RBI in 46 games.
At this stage of his career, it's tough to see Canha getting a major league opportunity. When he was with the Tigers in 2024, the veteran outfielder was hitting .231 with seven home runs and 38 RBI (93 games).
Eventually, Detroit parted ways with the veteran, trading him at the deadline last summer to the San Francisco Giants. Canha showed improvement at the plate, hitting .288 with an OPS of .705 in 32 games. But the Giants decided not to re-sign him at the end of last season.