Tigers smartly sign veteran reliever who posted 2.20 ERA with Blue Jays in 2025

Tigers smartly sign veteran reliever who posted 2.20 ERA with Blue Jays in 2025 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Tigers have added a notable arm to their bullpen depth.

A move like this will help the Tigers navigate the grueling summer schedule. It also doesn’t hurt that the 29-year-old has thrown over 220 Major League innings.

According to his MLB.com transaction log, right-hander Nick Sandlin has signed a minor league contract with the Tigers.

Last week, Sandlin elected free agency after being waived by the Los Angeles Angels. He allowed 11 earned runs in 8.2 innings with the AL West club.

But it was just one season ago that the sidewinder posted a 2.20 ERA in 16.1 innings with the Toronto Blue Jays. Before that, he was a staple in the Cleveland Guardians‘ bullpen from 2021-24.

This is a no-risk move for the Tigers. Bullpen depth is key for many reasons, and the Tigers have shown a tendency to have bullpen games in both the regular season and postseason.

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If signing Sandlin does work out in Detroit’s favor, he is under team control through the 2027 season.

Sandlin will report to Triple-A Toledo with the Tigers.

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