Is Matt Manning’s Career with the Detroit Tigers Coming to an End?
Only two spots remain in the Detroit Tigers’ latest rotation spots, and former first-round draft pick right-handed pitcher Matt Manning isn’t in the running.
Since being called up for the Tigers in 2021, Manning has either underperformed or been out of commission with injuries. Last year, Manning started the season as Detroit’s 27th man in the second game of a doubleheader against the Mets. He took a no-hitter through 5 2/3 innings, and the Tigers bullpen led that momentum into the eighth.
However, Manning didn’t appear in the majors again after May 19, 2024. He was placed on the Tigers’ spring training roster for 2025. After three appearances, though, Manning gave up eight earned runs in six innings. On Sunday, March 9, the Tigers PR account announced on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that Manning joined Chase Lee, Tyler Mattison, and Tyler Owens in being optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
Writing for Motor City Bengals, Katrina Stebbins said early indicators of Manning’s performance in this year’s spring training could signal it’s time for the Tigers to cut Manning loose. “With two of (Jackson) Jobe, (Casey) Mize, (Keider) Montero, and (Kenta) Maeda moving to a bullpen that’s already incredibly solid, there doesn’t seem to be any room left for the Tigers to keep giving Manning chances,” Stebbins wrote.
At this point, the Tigers may be able to get cash and/or an unranked prospect in exchange for a trade for Manning. As Sunday’s roster change confirms, the Tigers are keeping Manning on a short leash to start the season.