The Detroit Tigers were active in the hours leading up to the trade deadline last month, as they got a bullpen piece in veteran reliever Kyle Finnegan.
It wasn’t a huge needle mover, especially when you consider the other relievers that were dealt, such as Jhoan Duran, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, and Griffin Jax. However, for Detroit, it was a quality addition, which should give them another weapon in the late innings.
Fast forward to Friday, and the Tigers are still making changes to their bullpen, as they know it will play a pivotal role in their success in the second half of the season.
Tigers Sent Veteran Reliever Luke Jackson Packing to Start August
According to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, the Tigers are designating veteran reliever Luke Jackson for assignment, and calling up right-handed hurler Codi Heuer from Triple-A Toledo.
Codi Heuer will be called up from Toledo. Luke Jackson has been DFA’d
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) August 8, 2025
Tigers fans weren’t surprised to see the team move on from Jackson, who struggled in his three appearances in the Motor City. The 33-year-old reliever had a 7.71 ERA, which is a quick way to get booted off the major league roster.
In his short stint with Detroit, Jackson allowed five walks, four earned runs, three hits, and only had four strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched. The walks did Jackson in, as his walk percentage was 22.7, which was a career-worst.
The Tigers signed Jackson on July 26 after the Texas Rangers designated the veteran for assignment and ultimately released him a couple of days prior (July 24).
Jackson’s numbers with the Rangers weren’t anything to be excited about, hence why Detroit fans weren’t happy to see the organization kick the tires on him. In 39 appearances out of the bullpen, he had a 2-5 record and 4.11 ERA. Jackson allowed 32 hits, 20 runs (16 earned runs), 19 walks while only racking up 24 strikeouts in 35 innings.
That being said, it will be interesting to see if the now-ex-Tigers reliever can find a new job in the majors in the coming days and weeks. Meanwhile, Detroit will see what Heuer can do out of the pen, who has only made two appearances at Triple-A Toledo after being acquired from Texas at the deadline.