6:27pm: Manager A.J. Hinch has confirmed to Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press that Connor Seabold will produce the Opening Day roster.
5:00pm: The Detroit Tigers added pitching depth Monday, announcing the signing of right-hander Connor Seabold to a split contract worth $800,000 at the Major League level. To create a roster spot for Seabold, right-handed reliever Beau Brieske has been placed on the 60-day injured list with a left adductor strain.
Seabold, 30, quickly found a new opportunity after triggering a release clause in his minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week. The Tigers are giving the veteran a chance to contribute in their bullpen.
Seabold is out of minor league options, meaning he cannot be sent down without first clearing waivers. While he has previously been outrighted in his career, his current contract structure could incentivize him to remain with the Tigers.
The right-hander has appeared in 119 innings, posting a 7.79 earned run average. A significant portion of that experience came with the Colorado Rockies, where he pitched 87 1/3 innings in 2023.
The Tigers may be banking on a recent uptick in velocity. According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays noticed a velocity spike during spring training, with Seabold’s fastball reaching 96 miles per hour with improved movement. This prompted the Jays to consider him for a bullpen role, and they likewise worked with him to develop a slider.
During 33 spring training at-bats, Seabold recorded 13 strikeouts, a 39.4% clip, but also walked four batters and hit three more, finishing with a 6.75 ERA. Despite the numbers, the Blue Jays ultimately decided not to include him on their roster. The Tigers are hoping to unlock that potential with this opportunity.
Brieske’s spring training was hampered by injuries. He initially dealt with rib cage tightness before returning to the mound, only to be sidelined again by a groin strain.
The Tigers do not anticipate Brieske returning before the end of May. Given his limited spring appearances – just three – he will likely need time to build back up once cleared to resume pitching.
Photo courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel, Imagn Images
