The Tigers avoided a potential bullpen crisis Tuesday when Will Vest received good news about his finger injury.
Vest went through testing and treatment during the team’s off day and told reporters he feels ready to pitch in Detroit’s series opener against Pittsburgh. More importantly, there’s no injured list stint in his future.
“RHP Will Vest said he went through tests and then got treatment on the off day and feels good to go today. No concerns, no IL stint.”
That’s a huge relief for a Tigers team that’s gotten solid bullpen production this season. Detroit ranks 14th in bullpen ERA at 3.76, which isn’t elite but it’s been more than good enough. Losing their best reliever would’ve been a significant blow.
Vest has been lights-out in 2025. He’s carrying a 2.57 ERA with a 5-1 record and has racked up 12 saves through 35 innings. His 37 strikeouts and 0.9 WAR put him on pace for his best season in Detroit.
What makes this injury scare even more concerning is how important Vest has become to manager A.J. Hinch’s late-inning plans. He’s emerged as the closer and one of the most reliable arms in the bullpen.
The way I see it, this is the kind of injury that could’ve derailed Detroit’s season if it lingered. Bullpen depth is always tricky, and when your best reliever goes down with any kind of injury, you’re suddenly scrambling to piece together late-inning situations.
From what could’ve been a scary situation to being back on the mound in a matter of days – that’s about as good as it gets for injury news. The Tigers dodged a bullet here, and Vest gets to continue what’s shaping up to be a career year.
All things considered, this is exactly the kind of update Detroit needed as they try to stay competitive in what’s been a solid season so far. Having Vest healthy and available keeps their bullpen intact and gives them one less thing to worry about.
