The Detroit Tigers secured an important series victory over the weekend, helping them maintain their lead in the American League Central amid growing pressure from the Cleveland Guardians. Key to this success has been Kyle Finnegan, who has stepped into the closer role with impressive poise, delivering flawless performances during a critical period.
After a strong start to the season, the Tigers have faced challenges since the All-Star break, with their bullpen struggling to consistently close out games. Despite this downturn, the Tigers’ early season dominance has given them a substantial lead, allowing them to weather recent difficulties. The bullpen, a unit vital to their near-pennant run last year, has not performed at the expected level in 2024, prompting Detroit to focus on bolstering this group at the trade deadline.
How Finnegan Became Detroit’s New Closing Option
With several new arms added to the bullpen, Kyle Finnegan emerged as the primary closer option for the Tigers. Previously pitching for the Washington Nationals, Finnegan made a midseason move from one of the lowest-ranked teams to a contender firmly in the playoff hunt. This sudden jump in team expectations has placed notable pressure on him to succeed in high-stakes situations.
As Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller highlighted, Finnegan transitioned
“straight from a 44-64 team to a 64-46 World Series hopeful and has thus far welcomed the increase in pressure with three virtually flawless saves. Can he remain the anchor for an iffy bullpen?”
This spotlight on Finnegan underscores his critical role as the Tigers look to solidify close games down the stretch.
Finnegan’s Performance and Impact on the Tigers
In 2024, Finnegan’s overall numbers with the Nationals included a 4.04 ERA and 23 saves, respectable but not outstanding. The Nationals’ poor standing limited his opportunities to close games, but he made effective use of those chances. Since joining Detroit, Finnegan has appeared in three games and converted all three save opportunities, posting perfect saves and allowing only one hit across 3.1 innings pitched.
This flawless start with the Tigers has brought much-needed stability to the club’s bullpen struggles. Detroit’s manager A.J. Hinch, known for his effective bullpen management, has relied on Finnegan to bring clarity and reliability to the closer role as the season intensifies.
Looking Ahead: Can Finnegan Sustain This Success?
Although the sample size is still small, Finnegan’s immediate contributions have given Tigers fans cause for optimism. His prior experience closing games combined with his early success in Detroit suggests he could be the solution to one of the team’s most persistent issues this season. Should he maintain this form, Finnegan would not only strengthen the bullpen but also significantly enhance Detroit’s chances during the crucial closing weeks of the campaign.
For a team eager to hold off rivals like the Cleveland Guardians, a dependable closer is essential. Finnegan’s ability to perform under pressure will be tested repeatedly, and his ongoing success could be pivotal in determining the Tigers’ fate as they aim for a deep postseason run.
“At the deadline, though, he went straight from a 44-64 team to a 64-46 World Series hopeful and has thus far welcomed the increase in pressure with three virtually flawless saves. Can he remain the anchor for an iffy bullpen?”
—Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report