DETROIT -- The Tigers’ bullpen reconstruction for next season could include a new but familiar face. Right-hander RJ Petit, whose 6-foot-8, 287-pound frame made him an unmistakable presence climbing the Tigers’ farm system, is back in the organization after being reclaimed from the Rockies.
The 27-year-old Petit went to Colorado in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft after the Tigers left him off their 40-man roster. He went to Major League camp with the Rockies and pitched in three Spring Training games before suffering an elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery in March, sidelining him for the '26 season.
Petit spent the year on the 60-day injured list while rehabbing, but had to return to the 40-man roster Monday. He’s not expected to be ready to pitch until late spring or early summer, though he could possibly pitch on a rehab assignment early. He would’ve been subject to the same Rule 5 requirements: He would have needed to spend at least 90 days on the active roster for the Rockies to gain full control, and would not be eligible for the Minor Leagues aside from a rehab assignment.
The Tigers do not have to place Petit on their 40-man roster, though he would be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft again. All the Tigers had to do was return half of the $100,000 fee the Rockies paid to draft him last December.
Where Petit fits in the Tigers’ bullpen mix remains to be seen; he has to get back to pitching soon. But for a team that found value in unique arm angles and slots last year, Petit presents an intriguing option, a big right-hander with a mid-90s fastball that can reach the upper 90s, a very good 94 mph sinker, a darting slider and a changeup.
Petit attracted Rule 5 attention with a breakout 2025 season in the Tigers’ system, going 10-2 with three saves, a 2.44 ERA and a 2.94 FIP across 47 appearances between Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie. He struck out 79 batters over 66 1/3 innings. The Rockies, who had just hired former Tigers pitching instructor Gabe Ribas to their coaching staff, made him the first overall pick of the Rule 5 Draft.
Petit told MLB.com Rockies reporter Thomas Harding earlier this year that he has never stepped inside Comerica Park. He didn’t work out there before the Tigers selected him in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Charleston Southern, nor did he visit there when he signed. After a roundabout journey, he could make his Major League debut there at some point next season.