As the Detroit Tigers traverse through their August schedule, it's clear that things in the Motor City aren't as bright and cheery as they once were. Although they're still the American League Central leaders as of Thursday afternoon, the Tigers own a pitiful 7-12 record since the MLB All-Star Break ended, which includes losing four of their last six outings.
Needless to say, manager A.J. Hinch needs an elevated effort across the board from his players, especially if they want to end the club's 41-year World Series drought. That includes one struggling Tigers reliever in dire need of a turnaround if he wants to be a part of his team's playoff plans this fall.
Tigers RHP Tommy Kahnle Is Playing Himself Out of Detroit's Playoff Plans
Tigers fans were buzzing with excitement when the franchise signed veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle to a one-year, $7.75 million contract in January. The former 2010 fifth-rounder had established himself as one of the Majors' better relievers in his third stint with the New York Yankees, pitching to a 2.38 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
At first, Kahnle seemingly picked up right from where he left off upon his arrival in Detroit. Opposing batters struggled to produce much off the Tigers hurler, as Kahnle tallied a 1.35 ERA with 10 holds, eight saves, and 29 Ks across 33 1/3 innings in his first 32 appearances. Unfortunately, it's been all downhill since then, with few signs of improvement.
In a flash, Kahnle has gone from being a bullpen stud to being the source of Tigers fans' headaches. The Latham, NY native owns a horrific 15.55 ERA in 15 relief appearances since June 28, having surrendered 19 earned runs and five homers on 20 hits, along with 11 walks issued. Not only was he credited with three losses along the way, but he only eight of those outings saw him completed at least one full inning.
After giving up an earned run and three walks in less than an inning against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, it's safe to say things aren't improving for Kahnle. His ERA is ballooning with each passing appearance, making him far from the reliable arm the Tigers will need once the postseason arrives.
If he can't return to his previous form, the Tigers must seriously consider shrinking Kahnle's responsibilities. The last thing Detroit needs is for its postseason hopes to go up in flames because Kahnle failed to do his job when it mattered the most.