The Detroit Tigers are bringing Jack Flaherty back just as the rumor mill kicks into high gear. The right-handed pitcher was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Sunday, setting him up to start against the Houston Astros. It’s a move that feels timed perfectly — or at least conveniently — with the trade deadline a little over a week away.
Flaherty had been sidelined with a left peroneal strain, a leg injury that kept him out since early July. His rehab start went well enough that the team felt comfortable activating him. To clear a roster spot, Detroit sent lefty Emmanuel De Jesús down to Triple-A Toledo, as beat writer Evan Woodbery reported.
The timing is interesting. Most of the trade chatter around Detroit has centered on Tarik Skubal, the Tigers’ ace and a no-brainer target for contenders. But Flaherty is a different kind of asset. He’s 30, has postseason experience, and is under team control through 2026 — though not eligible for a qualifying offer. That last part matters. It means a team could trade for him this month and keep him around for two more playoff runs without the draft-pick penalty that usually comes with renting a star.
His numbers this season aren’t pretty. Flaherty has a 5.35 ERA with a 1-8 record across 78 strikeouts. That’s not exactly the kind of resume that usually lands a team a haul in return. But MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand pointed out that his track record and October pedigree might be enough to convince a front office to take a flier. And in a market where pitching is always in demand, one strong outing could shift the conversation.
Flaherty himself has to know what’s at stake. A good start Sunday against Houston — a team that could use rotation help — would only add to the speculation. Even if the Tigers don’t move him, his return gives the rotation a veteran presence who’s been through the playoff grind. That has value for a young team trying to figure out its identity.
For now, Detroit gets a healthy arm back and another potential trade chip in play. What that means for the roster beyond the deadline depends on how he looks on the mound. And maybe on how much a contender is willing to gamble.
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