Chris Paddack, the 29-year-old right-handed pitcher, is set to make his Chris Paddack Detroit Tigers debut on Wednesday afternoon during the final game of a three-match series at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Detroit Tigers, currently leading the American League Central, acquired Paddack from the Minnesota Twins on Monday as they aim to complete a series sweep.
The addition of Paddack comes after relief for the Tigers became necessary due to an injury to starting pitcher Reese Olson, who was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season on Monday because of a shoulder problem. Detroit’s front office responded quickly to fill Olson’s rotation spot with Paddack, hoping to bolster their pitching staff for the playoff push.
Team Confidence and Expectations for Paddack
Detroit manager A.J. Hinch expressed strong confidence in Paddack’s potential impact, stating the team believes in his ability to contribute immediately.
“One of the things I wanted to emphasize to him is that we believe in him,”
Hinch said.
“We believe he can help us win. I told him the only people who walk into our clubhouse are guys who we think can help us win. We’re excited to get him.”
Despite these high hopes, Paddack faces pressure to improve his recent performance as his season statistics show room for growth. His record currently stands at 3-9 with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.95, and out of 21 appearances this season, he has managed just five quality starts, defined as pitching at least six innings while allowing three earned runs or fewer.
Hinch remains committed to player development, emphasizing that the team will encourage Paddack to elevate his game.
“We’re going to push him to be better,”
Hinch said.
“Just like we do all of our players. We have a great clubhouse and we’re welcoming him with open arms. I wanted him to know that.”
Recent Performance and Upcoming Opponents
Paddack’s most recent outing was encouraging: on July 23, he limited the Los Angeles Dodgers to one run and four hits over six innings, striking out eight batters without issuing a walk. However, his prior two starts were less successful, yielding 11 runs and 19 hits across 10 innings. Historically, he has performed better against the Diamondbacks, holding a 2-3 record in nine career starts versus them with a solid 3.22 ERA.
On the mound opposing Paddack will be Arizona’s Ryne Nelson, a right-hander with a 6-2 record and a 3.29 ERA this season. Nelson has delivered four quality starts in his last five appearances and has been dominant recently, allowing only one run and five hits combined over his past two starts, totaling 12 innings. His latest outing featured six scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates with just one hit allowed. Nelson’s career performance against Detroit includes a 7.45 ERA over two games with a 1-1 record.
Diamondbacks Hope for Suarez’s Quick Return Amid Trade Speculations
Arizona received positive news about slugger Eugenio Suarez, who sustained a hit-by-pitch injury on his right index finger during Monday’s series opener. Medical scans confirmed no fractures, allowing optimism for Suarez’s return as early as Wednesday, depending on trade developments ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Suarez acknowledged the uncertainty around his future amid ongoing trade talks.
“I’ve been traded three times in my career, but never in the middle of the season,”
he said.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen or where I’m going.”
He added,
“When you have a trade in the offseason, everything is different because you start from the beginning. Now, in the middle of the season, you don’t know where you are going. You don’t know what’s going to be your role or whatever. That’s why I try not to think too much about it.”
Tigers Building Momentum with Series Win
The Tigers have gained momentum with three consecutive victories, including winning the first two games of this series against the Diamondbacks. Detroit’s offense was particularly explosive in Tuesday’s 12-2 rout, generating 11 extra-base hits and handing Arizona its seventh loss in eight games. With the division-leading Tigers looking to sweep the series, Paddack’s arrival represents a critical piece in their pursuit of sustained success and postseason readiness.
As the team prepares for this important matchup, Paddack’s debut could influence Detroit’s rotation depth and overall confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season.