Tigers demote former closer Foley to Triple-A

The Detroit Tigers optioned reliever Jason Foley to Triple-A Toledo, according to the club's official transactions log.

Foley served as Detroit's closer in 2024, racking up 28 saves with a 3.15 ERA and 6.9 K/9 across 69 appearances.

"Obviously, it's tough news when, instead of flying to Los Angeles, you're flying to Triple-A, but we believe in him and we believe in the things he can do," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday, according to Evan Woodbery MLive Media Group.

"A couple guys are throwing the ball a little bit better, and we're going to take a bit of a hotter hand into the season while continuing to watch (Jason) daily to see when he can factor back in."

The 29-year-old struggled to the tune of a 6.14 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings this spring.

Foley is under team control through the 2027 season and is set to make $3.15 million this year.

Tommy Kahnle could be given an opportunity to move into Detroit's closer role after signing a one-year, $7.75-million contract in January. Right-hander Beau Brieske and left-hander Tyler Holton might also get save opportunities.