Jack Flaherty, the 30-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, is making his return on the final day of the 2026 MLB season. This is a huge moment, considering he hasn’t toed the rubber since July 20, missing over two months due to right flexor tendon inflammation. To get Flaherty back on that 26-man roster, the Tigers optioned left-handed reliever Brant Hurter to the Florida Complex League.
Back in the Bullpen for a Reason
Flaherty isn’t going straight into a starting role, not with River Ryan still slated to start, making his second appearance since joining the Tigers at the trade deadline in the Tarik Skubal deal. No, Flaherty’s coming out of the bullpen, and it’s all about what comes next for him. This guy is set to become a free agent after this 2026 season. He rejoined the Tigers in 2025 on a two-year deal after playing half of 2024 with Detroit before a trade. He has been building towards this comeback, making sure he can showcase what he’s got before the upcoming offseason. His season stats going into this final appearance aren’t exactly stellar: a 3-8 record with a 4.59 ERA across 19 starts and 86⅓ innings.
One Last Chance to Make a Statement
The Tigers, unfortunately, are already out of the MLB postseason picture. They’re wrapping up their season today, Sunday, September 27, at Comerica Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Missing the postseason for the first time since 2023, the team has nothing left to play for except pride. But for Flaherty, this isn’t just another game. This bullpen appearance is his one shot to show prospective teams what he can still bring to the table, to prove he’s healthy and ready for a new contract. Every pitch tonight is a job interview for his future.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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