Rising Star Brendan Hanifee Set for Major League Debut with Detroit Tigers

• MLB

The Detroit Tigers are all set to give rookie pitcher Brendan Hanifee a big break, according to reliable sources from the Daily News Record in Virginia, Hanifee’s native ground. Eyes are set on Hanifee, who is anticipated to step onto the Major League diamond for the first time.

However, the Tigers remain tight-lipped, with an official announcement still pending. At 25, this right-handed dynamo, once a prodigy within the Baltimore Orioles precinct, has been making waves in Triple-A Toledo this season.

Records show an impressive 4.38 ERA over 90 1/3 innings, coupled with 82 strikeouts and just 30 walks. Following his return post a short injury hiatus on August 4, Hanifee has been predominantly seen controlling the bullpen.

His stats are notable, featuring a 3.38 ERA and 26 strikeouts across 26 2/3 innings.

Rodriguez's Exit Sparks Speculation

The big question hovering is: Who will Hanifee replace? Speculations arose when veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez took an untimely exit during a recent game due to back spasms.

However, Rodriguez remains listed as "day-to-day" and is yet to be placed on the injured list. Going back a bit, Hanifee, who was just 24 then, sealed a minor-league contract last December, with an open invitation to the spring training.

He left an impression, striking out six over four innings in the Grapefruit League. A noteworthy mention is Hanifee's early accomplishments. Drafted right out of Turner Ashby High School, Bridgewater, Va, by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016's fourth round, he did face hurdles like the pandemic-influenced 2020 season and a Tommy John surgery.

Yet, he bounced back in 2022, pitching 38 innings for Double-A Bowie with commendable stats. With the Tigers midway through a 10-game West Coast circuit and the bullpen feeling the strain in the recent games, Hanifee's inclusion could be a strategic move for the forthcoming Wednesday night faceoff.

To accommodate Hanifee, some adjustments to the current 40-man roster may be in the offing. The Tigers’ bullpen boasts names like Tyler Holton, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Tarik Skubal, among others. However, they also have players like Austin Meadows and Casey Mize on the 60-day injury list, ensuring they have options to make room for Hanifee.