The Detroit Tigers are considered one of the teams that will be buyers at the trade deadline, as they have gotten off to an excellent start and could make a deep playoff run in the fall.
However, before getting to the deadline next month, the Tigers are exploring other avenues to upgrade their roster. Over the weekend, Detroit designated veteran reliever John Brebbia for assignment after he had a 7.71 ERA across 19 appearances this season.
To take Brebbia’s spot in the bullpen, the Tigers called up right-handed pitcher Tyler Owens from Triple-A Toledo.
That said, Detroit isn’t done making additions to its bullpen. In fact, the Tigers are now taking a chance on a veteran relief pitcher, whom they are somewhat familiar with.
Tigers Claim Carlos Hernández off Waivers After DFA'ing John Brebbia
On Monday, the Tigers announced that they have claimed right-handed relief pitcher Carlos Hernández from the Philadelphia Phillies.
RHP Carlos Hernández has been claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) June 16, 2025
Detroit’s 40-man roster now stands at 40 players.
The Phillies designated the 28-year-old reliever for assignment last week. Hernández will be placed on Detroit’s 40-man roster. The veteran reliever spent the first few months of the 2025 season with the Phillies, who got him off waivers from the Kansas City Royals in March.
In 25 appearances with the Phillies, Hernández had a 5.26 ERA and allowed opponents to hit .302 at the plate. The veteran hurler’s K% dropped off with the Phillies (18.7) as he had a 25.7 and 20.9 strikeout percentages in the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Royals.
Before Philadelphia cut ties with Hernández, he had a 5.73 ERA in May (12 appearances), but a 0.00 ERA in June (three appearances).
As previously mentioned, Hernández was with the Royals before joining the Phillies. Hernández played five seasons with the Royals, where he had a 4.95 ERA in 150 appearances.
With Kansas City, Hernández spent most of his time coming out of the bullpen. However, he also has some experience starting.
Last season in Kansas City, Hernández had a 3.30 ERA across 27 appearances. He allowed 24 hits, 16 walks, 14 runs (11 earned), and one home run, while striking out 27 batters in 30 innings.
It’s unclear if Hernández will join the big league club or head to the minors when he reports. The Tigers hope that the veteran can return to his 2024 form, as it could give them another option out of the bullpen.