Tigers part ways with high-priced RHP Kenta Maeda

Field Level Media|published: 05/01/2025, 8:31pm EDT

Apr 27, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles in the ninth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers designated struggling right-hander Kenta Maeda for assignment prior to Thursday's road game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Maeda, 37, had a 7.88 ERA in seven relief appearances this season.

Detroit recalled right-hander Tyler Owens from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move.

Maeda signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Tigers prior to the 2024 season but was a colossal disappointment. He went 3-7 with a 6.09 ERA last season in 29 appearances (17 starts) before the struggles continued this season.

Maeda has a 68-56 record and a 4.20 ERA in 226 appearances (172 starts) with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2016-19), Minnesota Twins (2020-23) and Tigers. Maeda missed the entire 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery late in the 2021 season.

Maeda won a career-best 16 games for the Dodgers in 2016 when he placed third in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Owens, 24, was 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 relief appearances at Toledo this season.

--Field Level Media