The Detroit Tigers recently executed an in-division trade to strengthen their rotation by acquiring right-hander Chris Paddack from their rivals, the Minnesota Twins. In a three-player deal, the Tigers will also take on righty Randy Dobnak, while minor-league catcher Enrique Jimenez will join the Twins. Paddack, 29, is experiencing his healthiest season in recent years, having pitched 111 innings, which is his second-highest tally across seven major league seasons. However, his performance remains suboptimal with a 4.95 ERA, allowing 36 earned runs over 53.2 innings since early June.

Before announcing the trade, Scott Harris, the Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, revealed that Reese Olson would miss the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury and was placed on the 60-day injured list. Paddack is expected to fill Olson’s spot in the rotation, who has maintained a 3.15 ERA over 13 starts despite ongoing injuries.

Manager A.J. Hinch commented, ‘I don’t know what comes of the rest of the year for him. I think that’s what the next couple of days are for.’

The Tigers have faced challenges in the fifth starter position following the injury to top prospect Jackson Jobe, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Paddack’s addition offers Detroit a reliable fourth starter for the remainder of the regular season and into October. Despite recent setbacks, the Tigers hold an eight-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central.