Tigers draft top pitching talent for playoff hunt; veteran reliever DFA'd

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are bringing promising pitcher Jackson Jobe to the major leagues to strengthen their roster and compete for a playoff spot in the final week of the regular season.

The Tigers plan to nominate experienced right-hander Shelby Miller for the assignment.

The startling news suggests that the Tigers are preparing their roster for six crucial games this week and possibly a subsequent playoff series.

The 22-year-old Jobe was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft and widely considered the best pitching prospect in baseball. He spent nearly the entire season at Double-A Erie before being promoted to Triple-A Toledo on short notice two weeks ago.

Jobe could be included in the Tigers' playoff roster if they qualify for the postseason.

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will start the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. If necessary, he could also be used as a pitcher again in the season finale on September 29 against the Chicago White Sox.

In the four games in between, Tigers manager AJ Hinch is expected to manage his pitchers as if it were a playoff game: All hands on deck, including Jobe.

Jobe is eligible for the postseason because he was in the organization as of Aug. 31, even if he was not on the active or 40-man roster. The Tigers can petition the league to allow Jobe to step in as an injured replacement for a player like Sawyer Gipson-Long, who has been on the 60-day injured list all season.

Miller, who turns 34 next month, has been one of the Tigers' most common relief options for much of the season. He had a nearly three-week scoreless streak in August, allowing just four hits (all singles) in 9 2/3 innings. During that time, he struck out 13 players without issuing a walk.

But while the Tigers' bullpen was pushed to its limits in September, Miller pitched just four times and only walked one of the 21 batters he faced.

The Tigers held an option for Miller through 2025 worth at least $4.25 million. Instead, he will be a free agent again this winter.

This story will be updated.

Tigers 40-man squad (39)

Players in the active squad are in bold.

Left-handed pitchers (5): Sean Guenther, Tyler Holton, Brant HurterBryan Sammons, Tarik Skubal.

Right-handed pitchers (15): Beau BrieskeMason Englert, Wilmer Flores**, Jason Foley, Brenan Hanifee, Jackson JobeAlex Long**, Ty Madden, Kenta MaedaMatt Manning, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Reese OlsonRicky Vanasco, Will Vest.

Catcher (2): Dillon Dingler, Jake Rogers.

Infielders (9): Jace Young, Andy Ibanez, Colt KeithRyan Kreidler, Eddys Leonard, Bligh Madris, Zach McKinstry, Trey Sweeney, Spencer Torkelson.

Outfielder (8): Akil Baddoo, Kerry Zimmerman, Riley Greene, Justyn Henry Malloy, Parker Meadows, Wenceslau Perez, Matt VierlingRyan Vilade.

*On the 10- or 15-day injured list.

**On the Minor League Injury List

Shortstop Javier Baez (hip surgery) and right-handed pitchers Alex Faedo (right shoulder strain), Sawyer Gipson-Long (Tommy John surgery) and Brendan White (right elbow strain) are on the 60-day injured list and will not be counted toward the 40-man roster.