Fresh off a series win over the New York Yankees, the Detroit Tigers' quest to reach the AL mountaintop appears to near its conclusion. At the moment, the Tigers are a half game behind the AL East leading Toronto Blue Jays for the AL's top seed. At the moment, both teams would get a first-round bye in the playoffs. However, the Yankees aren't too far behind both teams either. While Detroit appears to have the AL Central well in hand, they make a couple of roster moves ahead of their Friday series opener. Tigers beat writer Cody Stavenhagen shared the moves on X, formerly Twitter.
“Sawyer Gipson-Long is going on the IL with neck soreness,” posted Stavenhagen. “Urquidy will be active tonight. Beau Brieske will get transferred to the major-league 60-day IL to clear a 40-man spot for Urquidy.”
Urquidy's activation is certainly the most notable of the three moves. Whether he serves as a traditional starter or a long reliever out of the bullpen, the former Houston Astro has plenty of postseason experience. Brieske's transfer to the 60-Day IL likely ensures his season is over. Meanwhile, Gipson-Long could have a shot at contributing to a Detroit postseason run. Will the Tigers clinch not only the AL Central title, but the AL's number one seed as well?
Tigers look to lock in AL Central title ASAP
While Urquidy hasn't pitched since the 2023 AL Championship Series with the Houston Astros, it's clear what he could bring to the Tigers if fully healthy. Manager A.J Hinch coached the lefty in Houston, so he knows how to perform when the stakes are higher. Gipson-Long, meanwhile, has been an inconsistent member of the Detroit bullpen. The 27-year-old was the long reliever before injuring his neck, so it feels like Urquidy is ticketed for that role.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have gotten off to a tough start down in Miami, where they are kicking off a weekend series against the Marlins. Staff ace Tarik Skubal got roughed up in 3.1 innings and left due to injury. Detroit's lineup is having a tough time against Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. Can the addition of Urquidy help the Tigers in their journey towards the postseason? If so, then perhaps the left-hander could have another signature postseason moment in navy and white.
