The Detroit Tigers made an unexpected roster move Sunday, selecting outfielder Brett Callahan’s contract from Triple-A Toledo ahead of the series finale against the Chicago White Sox.
To make room, Detroit designated utility player Trei Cruz for assignment. Callahan immediately joined the lineup, making his Major League debut in left field while batting seventh against White Sox right-hander Sean Burke.
The move comes as the Tigers try to avoid a sweep after dropping the first two games of the series. Detroit has also been forced to adjust its outfield following Riley Greene’s placement on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
Callahan earned the promotion after spending the season with Toledo, where his plate discipline and defensive versatility helped him emerge as an option for Detroit’s banged-up outfield.
The Tigers selected Callahan in the 13th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of St. Joseph’s University. His promotion gives manager A.J. Hinch another left-field option while Greene remains sidelined.
Cruz, meanwhile, was recalled just three days earlier after James Outman was sidelined with a concussion. His latest stint with Detroit ended quickly, with the Tigers now exposing him to the waiver process following the DFA.
Detroit entered Sunday sitting second in the American League Central at 60-63, 4.5 games behind the first-place White Sox. The Tigers remain in the postseason picture as the division race tightens.
USA TODAY Network
Chicago entered Sunday at 64-58, while the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians both sat at 60-64. The Kansas City Royals were last at 50-74, leaving Detroit with a narrow margin in the race behind Chicago.
The roster move therefore gives Callahan an immediate opportunity to help the Tigers while the club manages injuries and tries to keep pace in the division. His debut also comes at a critical point with Detroit looking to prevent Chicago from gaining further ground.
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