PHILADELPHIA -- The Tigers used the Trade Deadline to bolster their bullpen, and Friday’s game against Philadelphia showed why relievers are so important.
Jack Flaherty handed a three-run lead to the ’pen after a strong outing, but Philadelphia came back after his exit to record a 5-4 victory secured by a four-pitch, three-out save from its newly acquired closer Jhoan Duran.
Yes, the Tigers aren’t the only playoff contender who wanted to bolster the bullpen for the stretch run.
“Just too many mistakes at the end, and they capitalized,” manager A.J. Hinch said.
For a while anyway, it looked as if the Tigers’ Deadline focus on high-end relievers might not be as crucial after Flaherty got through six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and just one hit allowed. But the 29-year-old right-hander’s night ended at 95 pitches after he allowed a leadoff single to Nick Castellanos in the seventh.
Then, things unraveled for Detroit.
The Phillies tagged Tyler Holton and Will Vest for three runs -- one of which was charged to Flaherty -- in the seventh. After Wenceel Pérez’s go-ahead solo home run in the eighth made it 4-3, Philly answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame against the duo of Brenan Hanifee and Brant Hurter.
“Tonight is about 27 outs and giving them more,” Hinch said.
The Tigers’ bullpen combined to allow four runs -- three of which were earned -- on six hits with one walk and one costly error in two innings.
Hinch elected not to call on any of his new relief arms.
Kyle Finnegan and Rafael Montero were there on Friday after they were acquired on Thursday. Also watching beyond the fence in center field was rookie right-hander Troy Melton, who is moving to a relief role after the Deadline trade that brought veteran starter Charlie Morton to Detroit.
Finnegan recorded 108 saves as Washington’s closer over the past five years. The Tigers see the 33-year-old right-hander contributing in high-leverage situations.
“He’s going to fit in as a nice option to use anywhere late in games, whether it’s getting the last three outs or outs to get us there,” Hinch said before the game.
“I’m just looking to answer the phone when my name is called, and get ready and go in there and get as many outs as they ask me to get,” Finnegan said before the game. “Whether that is the fifth or the ninth, it doesn’t really matter to me.
“I just want to win. Whatever A.J. thinks is the best situation is what I want to do.”
In 40 appearances this season with the Nationals, Finnegan had a 4.38 ERA and 20 saves.
“The last four to five outings have been the best of the year,” he said. “I feel like I’m in a really good spot. The things I’ve been working on, I feel really good about.”
Montero also brings experience and prior success. The 11-year veteran helped the Astros win the World Series in 2022. He also has had command issues and owns a 13.9 percent walk rate this season.
“It’s something I realize I have to work on,” Montero said via an interpreter. “That’s my goal, to lower the number of walks I’ve had. We’re making adjustments already to start doing it.”
The role for Melton is a new one. The rookie impressed in two starts with the Tigers, striking out 12 in 12 innings with a fastball that tops 98 mph. That made him an appealing option to move to the ’pen with the addition of Morton, even though Melton’s professional experience there is a few Spring Training outings and in the Minors.
“I’m excited just to be here in general,” Melton said. “I don’t really care too much what the role is. If I can help the team out, I’m ready to do that however I can.”
Morton will start Sunday’s series finale in place of Melton. The 41-year-old was expected to join the Tigers on Saturday. Hinch looks forward to the addition.
“His presence, alone, will be good for this team,” Hinch said. “He’s steady, never gets too high or too low. He’s done it, seen it, experienced it.”
The Tigers feel that adding Morton and moving Melton to a relief role is a win-win, giving them an experienced starter and adding a power arm to the bullpen.
And as the Tigers saw unfold on Friday, you can never have enough quality relief arms.