Right-handed reliever Tyler Owens has signed a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Despite being cut from the 40-man roster due to a flurry of trade deadline acquisitions, Owens, who was designated for assignment and then released, will continue to recover from his hip injury in the Tigers organization.
Owens, 24, joined the 40-man roster this winter after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Carson Kelly trade only days before the 2024 trade deadline.
Originally selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 13th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, left-handed pitcher Owens was later acquired by the Texas Rangers in a trade that took place ahead of the 2024 season. During that year, he delivered an impressive performance on the mound, posting a solid 2.96 earned run average (ERA) over 51 and two-thirds innings. In that span, he demonstrated strong command and efficiency, issuing just 16 walks while recording 55 strikeouts, primarily relying on an effective combination of his fastball and slider.
Although he did make several brief appearances at the major league level this season totaling just three innings across a few call-ups Owens has spent the majority of the year with Triple-A Toledo.
His time there, however, has been marked by inconsistency and control issues. Over 30 innings pitched in Triple-A, he has struggled to maintain command of the strike zone, giving up 21 walks compared to 27 strikeouts. This contrast between his earlier success and recent difficulties highlights the challenges he has faced trying to establish a consistent rhythm in the minors.