The Detroit Tigers managed to salvage the final game of their series against the New York Mets after losing the first two, but the win was overshadowed by troubling news. Reliever appeared to hurt himself while warming up in the bullpen, throwing a pitch before crouching down in visible discomfort.
Early indications suggest Kyle Finnegan’s discomfort is in his right groin, though the team has not yet released an official update on his injury status.
Since being acquired from Washington at the trade deadline, Finnegan has been lights out for Detroit. Over 12 outings covering 14.1 innings, he has yet to give up a run, striking out 19 while surrendering just three hits and three walks.
The Tigers have essentially locked up the AL Central and rank among the league’s top clubs this season. Finnegan has been a key piece of their bullpen over the past month, so any extended absence could be a significant setback as they prepare for the postseason.
Change of Scenery Has Helped Finnegan
With a career ERA of 3.51 and six seasons spent mostly as the Nationals’ closer, Kyle Finnegan had built a solid but unspectacular track record. Earlier this year in Washington, he was struggling, posting a 1-4 record with a 4.38 ERA — numbers that were trending toward the worst of his career.
Since joining Detroit, however, he’s looked like a completely different pitcher. Whether it’s the influence of the Tigers’ coaching staff, the change in competition, or simply the boost of playing for a contender after years on a last-place team, Finnegan has found new life in a Tigers uniform.
Where to Turn in Bullpen if Finnegan Misses Time
With Paul Sewald already sidelined, the Tigers will need the rest of their bullpen to step up ahead of closer Will Vest, who has been outstanding this year. That means Tommy Kahnle and Tyler Holton must raise their game in late-inning situations to fill the setup role Kyle Finnegan had been handling since his arrival.
Detroit has been among the league’s best teams all season, but that success has come largely in spite of inconsistent pitching. Outside of AL Cy Young frontrunner Tarik Skubal, the staff has been shaky. Ranking around 10th in the majors in categories like ERA, strikeouts, and opponents’ batting average, the Tigers have leaned heavily on their potent offense. But heading into October with a banged-up and underwhelming pitching staff could make a deep playoff push far more difficult.