The Detroit Tigers have strengthened their pitching depth through the waiver wire, adding a young arm who may have a real shot at thriving in the majors.
In a Monday announcement, the team revealed that they claimed 23-year-old right-hander Yoniel Curet off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies, opening a roster spot by transferring center fielder Parker Meadows to the 60-day injured list. Now on Detroit’s 40-man roster, Curet has been assigned to the Florida Complex League to ramp up before an expected move to Triple-A Toledo. He may not reach the majors right away, but a debut in Detroit feels likely given his upside.
Curet, acquired by Philadelphia from the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason, couldn’t secure an Opening Day spot, leading to his placement on waivers. Though he hasn’t pitched in the majors yet, he shined in Double-A last year with a 1.45 ERA and 0.911 WHIP. His numbers dipped after moving to Triple-A, but he still punched out 35 hitters in 31.1 innings. With 62 strikeouts across 55.1 total innings, he brings legitimate swing-and-miss ability and experience as both a starter and reliever.
Detroit is likely eyeing him as rotation depth, especially with injuries and inconsistencies affecting their starting staff. With Justin Verlander sidelined and others struggling, the Tigers will need more arms throughout the year. Prospects like Keider Montero and Troy Melton are available, but neither is a sure thing.
Having Curet waiting in Triple-A with strikeout stuff is a valuable asset. If he performs well, a call-up at some point this season feels very realistic. Detroit will be watching him closely in the coming months, anticipating a potential promotion when the need for pitching inevitably rises.
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