Detroit Tigers Face Uncertainty as Will Vest Undergoes Injury Evaluation

The Detroit Tigers, riding high with a 47-27 record and a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League, encountered a concerning setback during their recent 8-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Star reliever Will Vest, a cornerstone of the Tigers’ bullpen, exited the game in the eighth inning due to discomfort in his right pinkie finger, raising alarms among fans and the organization. Manager A.J. Hinch, addressing the media post-game, described the situation as unclear, noting that Vest felt a “zing” or unusual sensation in his finger after throwing a wild pitch, prompting his removal alongside a trainer. The team is now awaiting further tests to determine the severity of the injury, leaving Vest’s status as day-to-day and the bullpen’s immediate future in question.

Vest, a 30-year-old right-hander, has been a standout performer for the Tigers in 2025, establishing himself as their most reliable reliever. With a 2.57 ERA, a 0.971 WHIP, and 12 saves in 15 opportunities across 32 appearances, Vest has been instrumental in securing victories for Detroit. His 5-1 record and 37 strikeouts against just nine walks in 35 innings underscore his dominance as a high-leverage arm, often paired with Tommy Kahnle to form a formidable back-end duo in the bullpen. The Tigers’ relief corps, however, has struggled recently, posting a 4.98 ERA in June, the fifth-worst in baseball, making Vest’s potential absence a significant concern.

The injury occurred during a critical moment in Sunday’s game at Comerica Park. With the Tigers leading 4-2, Vest entered in the eighth inning to protect the lead but faced immediate challenges. After an error by reliever Brant Hurter and consecutive singles to Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz, the Reds narrowed the gap. Vest struck out Tyler Stephenson but loaded the bases after a fielding miscue by Zach McKinstry. A sacrifice fly and a go-ahead single by Gavin Lux, coupled with Vest’s wild pitch, flipped the score to 6-4 in Cincinnati’s favor. It was after this pitch that Vest signaled discomfort, leading to his exit. Hinch later noted, “He had this feeling in his pinky, and it was bothering him, so we took him out. We’ll get him evaluated, and he’ll run through the whole battery of tests.”

The Tigers’ pitching staff is no stranger to adversity this season. With rookie starter Jackson Jobe sidelined for the year following Tommy John surgery and Reese Olson recovering from right ring finger inflammation, losing Vest for an extended period would exacerbate an already strained bullpen. Hinch expressed cautious optimism, stating on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday, June 17, that initial tests were encouraging, and he expects Vest to avoid the 15-day injured list. Vest himself confirmed undergoing tests on Monday’s off-day, reporting no serious concerns and expressing readiness to pitch in the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, Hinch emphasized that further evaluation is needed, as pitcher injuries can be unpredictable.

The timing of Vest’s injury is particularly inopportune as the trade deadline approaches. The Tigers, poised for a playoff push, are already exploring the reliever market to bolster their bullpen, a need that would intensify if Vest’s recovery is delayed. The recent waiver claim of Carlos Hernández from the Phillies and the demotion of Tyler Owens to Triple-A suggest roster flexibility, but Vest’s role as the de facto closer is not easily replaced. His resilience and performance have been vital to Detroit’s success, and his ability to return swiftly could determine the team’s trajectory in the competitive AL Central.

As the Tigers await further updates, fans and analysts remain cautiously optimistic, buoyed by reports from sources like The Athletic and MLB.com indicating that Vest’s injury may not be severe. Yet, the uncertainty surrounding pitcher injuries looms large, and Detroit’s medical staff is taking no chances, employing advanced diagnostic protocols to ensure a clear picture of Vest’s condition. For now, the Tigers and their supporters hold their breath, hoping their star reliever can return to the mound without missing significant time.