RADIO
Kenta Maeda Will Work Out Of The Bullpen In 2025
Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda was unable to earn a rotation spot this spring and will begin the season in the bullpen, according to manager A.J. Hinch. Despite Maeda's sterling 1:19 BB:K over 12 2/3 spring innings, the veteran allowed eight earned runs during that time (5.68 ERA) on 13 hits, four of which were home runs. The righty began last season in the rotation but was relegated to the bullpen after his July 9 start, the sixth time in 16 starts to that point that he'd given up at least five earned runs. He posted a 7.42 ERA as a starter in 2024 (70 1/3 innings) and a 3.86 ERA as a reliever (42 frames). If the 36-year-old can have similar success with strikeouts as he did in Grapefruit League play, his ERA from '24 suggests he might be a solid relief option for Detroit in '25, but the Japanese pitcher is probably only a viable fantasy option in deep AL-only leagues. Casey Mize and Jackson Jobe will take the final rotation spots for the Tigers.
Source: Cody Stavenhagen - The Athletic
Source: Cody Stavenhagen - The Athletic
