For the Tigers, criticism over the lack of impact acquisitions at last week’s MLB trade deadline has overshadowed the fact that, while it might have been a good time to make a splashy trade, Detroit did a good job in being efficient with its moves. Giving up a minimal set of prospects, the Tigers overhauled the bullpen and, more important, brought in rotation depth that, in a limited sample size, has been very effective.
Chris Paddack came first. He had a sterling debut for the Tigers last week, going six innings and allowing one run on three hits. Next came Charlie Morton, who allowed one run on four hits in six innings, too, against a very tough Phillies club on Sunday.
It might be too much to ask for 1.50 ERAs from both Paddack and Morton for the rest of the way, but certainly the pair is off to a good start.
Chris Paddack Facing Old Team on Tuesday
Paddack will get a chance to back up his first gem for the Tigers on Tuesday night when he faces the Twins–the team he’d been with before the trade. Paddack began his career with the Padres but had spent the last three-plus seasons in Minnesota. This will mark the first time in his career he has faced either of his former teams.
Paddack and the Tigers are listed as minus-145 favorites in the game, which will be played in Detroit.
Tigers Appear Playoff-Bound
With the Tigers tied for the best record in the American League and the Twins at eight games below .500 and sinking fast, Paddack said he welcomes the chance to play some meaningful baseball down the stretch. Detroit is 8.0 games ahead of the Guardians in the Central.
“I play this game for my family back home,” said Paddack, who grew up in Texas, “but as a ballplayer, we play this game to win a championship. I’m excited.”
Paddack has been to the playoffs twice before, once with the Padres in 2020 and again in 2023 with the Twins, who advanced to AL Divisional round. He came out of the bullpen twice for Minnesota, and started a game for the Padres–allowing six runs in 2.1 innings.
Tigers Trade Left Paddack ‘Twisted Upside Down’
Now in Detroit, Paddack said he is still trying to get his feet underneath him.
“My life got twisted upside down in a matter of 24 hours,” Paddack said. “I’ve been traded before, but never at the deadline. It’s going to take some getting used to.”
On the mound, though, he can keep things simple, as he did last week against the Diamondbacks. In that outing, Paddack was at his best, throwing strikes and staying ahead of hitters. He is now 4-9 with a 4.77 ERA this season, but with an excellent start (6.0 innings, one run, four hits) in his final appearance with the Twins, he has now been very good in back-to-back outings.
“The biggest thing for me is to attack,” said Paddack. “I love pitching in the zone. That’s one of my strengths. I think that’s been a big factor in my career. Guys know that I throw strikes, and I’ll never shy away from that.”
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