Life as a pitcher in MLB can be tricky at times, especially when you are a player who has minor league options available for the franchise to exercise.
Unfortunately for one member of the Detroit Tigers' pitching staff, he falls into that category. As a result, he will pack his bags and head to Toledo to play for Detroit's AAA affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens. That is where he will remain until the big league club recalls him to the active roster.
After having a spectacular showing in the Tigers' 1-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night, right-handed relief pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long was optioned to AAA. Detroit just activated the 27-year-old hurler from his rehab assignment on Wednesday.
Despite his impressive performance out of the bullpen against the White Sox, Detroit sent Gipson-Long to AAA to make space on the roster for left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn, as he was recalled from AAA in a corresponding move.
LHP Bailey Horn has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo and will be available for tonight’s game in Minnesota.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) August 14, 2025
RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long was optioned to Triple-A following yesterday’s game.
Tigers Send Down RHP Gipson-Long After Scoreless Outing vs. Chicago
Saying that Gipson-Long was a standout performer on Wednesday night isn't hyperbole. He had a near-perfect outing after entering the game in relief of starting pitcher Troy Melton. In two scoreless innings of work, Gipson-Long allowed one hit and recorded two strikeouts to zero walks. He did all of this in just 17 pitches, as 15 of those went for strikes.
This was Gipson-Long's first appearance with the Tigers since he started against the Minnesota Twins on June 27. In that game, the 27-year-old threw 5 1/3 innings, giving up three earned runs on four hits to go along with five strikeouts and two walks in a losing effort.
Despite impressing in the manner he did in his return to the big league lineup, the organization had the ability to send him back down to Toledo, and that is exactly what they elected to do.
Now, all Gipson-Long can do is try his best to contribute to the Mud Hens while waiting for the call to come from Detroit that brings him back to the majors.