Tigers reshape roster with Outman acquisition and Jansen recall ahead of Guardians series
Manager A.J. Hinch integrates James Outman into centre field and recalls Kenley Jansen from the injured list, while releasing Zack Short to accommodate incoming players.
The Detroit Tigers executed a series of roster adjustments on Friday, June 12, ahead of their contest against the Cleveland Guardians. The moves include the recall of closer Kenley Jansen from the injured list, the addition of outfielder James Outman, and the acquisition of right-handed reliever Jacob Waguespack. To accommodate these changes, infielder Zack Short was released, while relievers Beau Brieske and Brenan Hanifee were optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
Outman was claimed from the Minnesota Twins and has been penciled into the starting lineup in centre field for the Friday opener. Manager A.J. Hinch indicated that the acquisition is part of a broader strategy to improve outfield defence, addressing a void left by the absence of last season’s primary centre fielders, Parker Meadows and Javier Baez. The Tigers have utilised various players, including Zach McKinstry, Wenceel Pérez, and Matt Vierling, in centre field during this period.
Hinch stated that Outman’s presence allows for greater roster flexibility, specifically enabling McKinstry to shift back to the infield, where he can cover shortstop duties. Outman, who hit 23 home runs and stole 16 bases in 151 games as a rookie for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, expressed pride in his defensive and baserunning capabilities. He acknowledged recent struggles at the plate but emphasised his focus on impact plays.
The Tigers also added Waguespack, a 6-foot-6 right-handed reliever, via trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 32-year-old, who previously pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays and spent several years in Japan, has performed well in Triple-A Nashville this season. Hinch noted that the organisation had attempted to acquire Waguespack during previous offseasons, citing his ability to miss bats and his distinct pitching profile.
Looking ahead, the Tigers expect starting pitchers Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize to return from the injured list on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Hinch described the incoming roster changes as steps toward realising the team’s intended composition for the series. The club anticipates making further corresponding moves over the weekend to accommodate the returns of Skubal and Mize.
