Kenta Maeda was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers, concluding a challenging year and a half with the team. Signed to a two-year, $24 million contract, Maeda struggled significantly, accumulating a 6.21 ERA across 36 appearances. After transitioning to the bullpen, he initially showed promise but ultimately could not maintain consistent performance. Manager A.J. Hinch expressed the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing the need to create opportunities for younger players. Maeda's history includes successful stints with the Dodgers and a strong 2020 season with the Twins, but injuries have hampered his potential.
"It's tough, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said of parting ways with Maeda. When he was good, he really helped us. And when he struggled, we really didn't get him back on track."
"Maeda came over from Japan in his late 20s and established himself as a weapon out of both the rotation and the bullpen with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2016 to 2019, posting a 3.87 ERA in 137 games during the regular season and a 3.31 ERA in 24 appearances in the playoffs."
"The Tigers called up Tyler Owens, a 24-year-old right-handed reliever, to take Maeda's spot on the roster."
"His stuff played up, triggering some initial success, but consistency continued to elude him."
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