Tigers' injury struggles continue as Vest (elbow) lands on IL
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NEW YORK – The Tigers’ season-long litany of injuries added another player, this time a key member of their bullpen. Right-hander Will Vest went on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with inflammation in the back of his right elbow.
Vest’s injury is not believed to be ligament-related. Still, Vest’s season-long struggles -- including four hits and two earned runs in a loss to the Astros on Saturday at Comerica Park -- show the degree of impact and justifiable concern. His 6.08 ERA in 27 appearances this season is well above his 3.78 career ERA, though his 3.41 FIP and career-low 35 percent hard-hit rate suggest some bad luck involved. His velocity is down a tick across his arsenal.
“He came out of his last outing a little banged up,” manager A.J. Hinch said of Vest, who reported some soreness. “We gave it a couple days. We need to get further tests. He’s not going to be available, so we’re going to make a move.
“He’s a guy that wants to pitch through everything. But him not being able to locate pitches, him not feeling great after outings, we’ve got to get this checked out and see exactly what we’re dealing with.”
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To fill Vest’s spot, Beau Brieske rejoins the Tigers from Triple-A Toledo, where he tossed 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts since being optioned from Detroit a couple of weeks ago.
“He’s always been fastball dominant, both in usage and his bullish approach,” Hinch said of Brieske. “He couldn’t really throw the ball where he wanted to, and the shape of his fastball wasn’t as effective as it’s been. This guy, when he’s had a dynamic fastball, pitches towards the back of the game and comes in throwing a ton of strikes.”
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How the change impacts the Tigers’ late-inning mix remains to be seen. Vest has been a key part of the support behind closer Kenley Jansen, even filling in for a couple of saves. Kyle Finnegan could shift toward that role, though Hinch likes to use him more based on matchups and batting order. Drew Anderson could also get higher-leverage opportunities along with Brieske, who was a key late-inning arm during the Tigers’ 2024 run to the postseason.