Tigers Make Roster Changes Ahead of Rule 5 Draft

The Detroit Tigers have made several significant roster moves, designating infielder Eddys Leonard and relievers Ricky Vanasco and Brendan White for assignment. To fill their spots, the Tigers have added right-handers Chase Lee, Tyler Mattison, and Tyler Owens to the 40-man roster, thereby protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. With these changes, the Tigers' roster now stands at 37 players.

Eddys Leonard, 24, has been with the Tigers since being acquired from the Dodgers in August 2023. This year, he posted a .253/.320/.435 batting line across three minor league levels, though he has yet to make his major league debut.

Ricky Vanasco also joined the Tigers through a trade with the Dodgers, arriving in July. He has pitched two scoreless innings at the major league level and has four career appearances.

Brendan White, who turned 26 recently, recorded a 5.03 ERA over 40 2/3 innings as a rookie in 2023 but spent most of this season on the minor league injured list.

Chase Lee, 26, was acquired from the Rangers in the Andrew Chafin trade at this year's deadline. The Alabama product posted a 2.75 ERA over 36 innings between the two organizations, with a 30% strikeout rate and a 6.8% walk rate.

Tyler Mattison, 25, has shown excellent strikeout potential, fanning nearly 38% of hitters while posting a 2.41 ERA over 59 2/3 innings between High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie. His performance has demonstrated enough promise to earn a spot on the 40-man roster.

​Tyler Owens, who turns 24 in January, has been traded twice since being drafted in the 13th round in 2021. After starting with Atlanta, he moved to the Rangers and then to Detroit as part of the Carson Kelly deadline deal. Owens recorded a 2.96 ERA and struck out over 25% of opponents in Double-A this year.