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Kenta Maeda will begin season in the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen, per report

After a difficult Detroit Tigers debut last season that saw him moved to a relief role during the first half, right-hander Kenta Maeda has had a much better camp this spring. In the second of his two-year free agent contract, the veteran’s velocity has been up to 92-93 mph after sitting 90-91 mph in 2024. He’s also struck out 36.5 percent of hitters faced and walked only one batter in 12 23 innings of work. It wasn’t enough.

Cody Stavenhagen of the Athletic Detroit reported on Friday that Tigers’ manager AJ Hinch has already informed the 36-year-old Maeda that he’ll start the season in the bullpen.