Detroit Tigers Move Chris Paddack to Bullpen Following Family Bereavement

The Detroit Tigers have moved right-hander Chris Paddack from the starting rotation to the bullpen after he struggled with a 5.40 ERA in six starts since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline. Paddack, who is also coping with the recent death of a family member, expressed gratitude for the team's support as he takes three days away to be with his family. The Tigers hoped the bullpen role would ease pressure and improve his performance, but his first relief outing saw him allow six runs in just over an inning. Manager A.J. Hinch revealed the move unexpectedly and did not clarify the rotation plans moving forward, leaving the Tigers with four starters. The trade that brought Paddack and Randy Dobnak to Detroit has drawn criticism, especially given that the Tigers traded away their No. 14 prospect, Enrique Jimenez, who has performed well in the Twins' system. Paddack's performance this season has been disappointing, with the worst strikeout rate and high FIP among starters with at least 30 innings since the trade.