Ricky

Vanasco

Vanasco has put up some impressive numbers at the Triple-A level recently, but he’s struggled to a cataclysmic 15.63 ERA over 6 1/3 innings across five appearances for the Tigers this season.

The 27-year-old right-hander has really struggled in four appearances with the Tigers this season, posting a 14.54 ERA and 3.23 WHIP across 4 1/3 innings. He’ll function in a middle relief role for the Tigers and can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

Surely that’s not Ricky Nolasco, you’d think. And you’d be right. He doesn’t spell his name like Nolasco at all. Vanasco had a 14.54 ERA in 4 1/3 innings for the Tigers over four appearances. The 27-year-old figures to be back at some point with another chance as a fresh arm later this year due to his great work with the Mud Hens.

Vanasco gets his opportunity with the Tigers after veteran Will Vest landed on the shelf with a forearm injury. The 27-year-old righty is certainly deserving after recording a sublime 28/4 K/BB ratio across 15 consecutive scoreless innings to open the season at the Triple-A level. He last pitched in the big leagues when he made four appearances between the Dodgers and Tigers back in 2024.

Vansasco has put together a sensational start to the year at Triple-A Toledo, reeling off 6 2/3 consecutive scoreless frames with a 14/3 K/BB ratio. The 27-year-old former starter hasn’t appeared in the majors since making four appearances between the Tigers and Dodgers back in 2024. He’s going to force his way into Detroit’s bullpen mix if he keeps pitching like this.

Vanasco is back after being non-tendered Friday by Detroit. The right-hander will likely be given a chance to win a spot in the bullpen this spring, but faces an uphill battle while also needing to be added to the 40-man roster.

All three players had been designated for assignment on Tuesday as the Tigers attempted to clear some room on their 40-man roster, so it’s not shocking that none of the players were tendered contracts. Leonard actually had a decent season in 67 games at Triple-A Toledo in 2024 — hitting .263/.326/.455 with 10 homers, 26 RBI and seven swipes in 282 plate appearances — but never got an opportunity at the big-league level. It may need to be a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, but Leonard shouldn’t have any difficulty finding another opportunity.

It’s a bit of housekeeping for Detroit as they manage to clear three spots on their 40-man roster to shield some of their better prospects from next month’s Rule 5 Draft.

Vanasco, who was picked up from the Dodgers in July after DFA’d, made two appearances in 15 days with the Tigers, pitching a perfect inning each time.

Vanasco was acquired for cash considerations by the Tigers from the Dodgers near the end of July. He’ll provide some mid-to-late inning depth for Detroit while he’s with the club.