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 2⁄3 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.