Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty is making his return on the final day of the 2026 MLB season.
Flaherty, 30, is expected to pitch for the first time since July 20. He has missed the last two months with right flexor tendon inflammation. To make room for Flaherty on the active 26-man roster, the Tigers optioned left-handed reliever Brant Hurter to the Florida Complex League.
The Tigers are still starting right-hander River Ryan, who is making his second start with the Tigers since joining the organization at the trade deadline as part of the return compensation for Tarik Skubal. Flaherty is expected to pitch out of the bullpen.
Flaherty has been building toward a return to showcase himself before the upcoming offseason. Flaherty is set to become
a free agent following the 2026 season. He rejoined the Tigers in 2025 on a two-year deal after pitching half of the 2024 season with Detroit before being traded.
Flaherty is 3-8 with a 4.59 ERA in 19 starts, pitching a total of 86⅓ innings entering his final appearance of the season.
The Tigers, eliminated from the MLB postseason, are finishing their season on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Comerica Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Detroit will not play in the postseason for the first time since 2023.
ContactJared Ramsey at jramsey@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tigers activate RHP Jack Flaherty on final day of season with aim to pitch against Pirates
