Kyle Finnegan made unique MLB history after the Detroit Tigers' matchup against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday evening.
Finnegan began the year with the Washington Nationals, who he represented since 2019. However, he changed jerseys after the team sent him to the Tigers in exchange for pitchers Josh Randall and R. J. Sales on July 31.
He appeared in his fourth game donning the Tigers uniform and made impressive history. He threw 14 scoreless innings and counting for Detroit, becoming the first MLB reliever since Erik Goeddel in 2018 and the last team reliever since Doug Blair in 1983.
Switching teams mid-season and immediately throwing 14+ scoreless innings is rare.
Prior to Kyle Finnegan, the last MLB reliever to do so was in 2018 (Erik Goeddel) and the last Tigers reliever to do so was in 1983 (Doug Blair).
(via @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/pETDYXymu9
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) August 31, 2025
How Kyle Finnegan, Tigers played against Royals
Amid Kyle Finnegan's impressive feat, the Tigers took down the Royals in a 5-0 shutout. As a result, they won the series 2-1 this weekend, 4-2 overall.
Detroit scored all of its runs in the fifth and eighth innings. Jake Rogers, Colt Keith, Gleyber Torres, and Riley Greene were the players to provide the scores to their team's benefit.
The Tigers' bullpen had an excellent performance against the Royals' offense. They held them to just four hits after 30 at-bats, showcasing how Detroit controlled all the momentum on both sides of the ball. Tarik Skubal earned the win as he lasted seven innings on the mound, striking out four batters while conceding four hits.
Detroit improved to an 80-58 record on the season, boasting the top spot of the AL Central Division standings. They are 9.5 games above the Royals and 10.5 games above the Cleveland Guardians.
The Tigers will prepare for their next series, being at home. They host the New York Mets as Game 1 will take place on Sept. 1 at 1:10 p.m. ET.
