DETROIT — Drew Hutchison’s fate was likely sealed no matter how well he served on Sunday.
The right-hander was called up for action shortly after starting and pitching 4 2/3 innings for the Detroit Tigers in Sunday’s 7-3 win over the Texas Rangers.
MLB clubs must reduce their rosters to 13 pitchers by Monday, and Hutchison, a veteran who has been named a DFA by the Tigers a few times in the past two seasons, was the most convenient candidate.
The Tigers plan to use the roster spot to activate Jeimer Candelario from the 10-day injury list when they open a three-game series against the Red Sox in Boston on Monday.
The Tigers will play with a four-man rotation – Tarik Skubal, Beau Brieske, Alex Faedo and Rony Garcia – and a nine-man bullpen through the end of June.
The Tigers and all MLB teams will now carry a four-man bench.
Candelario was put on the injured list 12 days ago after injuring his shoulder while jumping after a ball. He did a short rehab stint at Triple-A Toledo this weekend.
Candelario struggled mightily with the plate prior to his injury, hitting .181 (.555 OPS) with five homers in 195 plate appearances.
Hutchison could be back in the Tigers system if he clarifies waivers. Hutchison pulled the club out of spring training but became DFA on 10 May. Nine days later, he re-signed with the Tigers on a minor league deal.
40-MAN SQUAD OF THE TIGERS (38)
Players in bold are on the active list
Left-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Alexander, Andrew ChafinSam Howard, Tariq Skubal, Gregory SotoJoey Wentz.
Right-handed pitchers (14): Beau BrieskeDrew Carlton, Angel De Jesus, Alex Faedo, Jason Foley, Michael Fulmer, Rony Garcia, Joe Jimenez, Alex LongMatt Manning*, Smart PeraltaMichael Pineda*, Elvin Rodriguez, Will Vest.
catcher (3): Tucker Barnhart, Eric HaseAli Sanchez.
infielder (9): Javier Baez, Miguel CabreraJeimer Candelario*, Harold Castro, Kodi ClemensBrendon Davis, Jonathan Schoopzack short, Spencer Torkelson.
outfield player (6): Akil Baddoo, Willie Castro, Riley Greene, Robbie GrossmanDerek Hill, Victor Reyes.
* On the 10-day injured list.
Outfielders Daz Cameron and Austin Meadows do not count towards the 40-man roster while on the COVID list.
Left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez is not earning a salary and is not counted towards the 40-man roster while on the suspended list.
catcher Jake Rogers (right elbow sprain); and right-handed pitchers Jose Cisnero (right shoulder sprain), Kyle Funkhouser (right shoulder sprain), Casey Mize (right elbow sprain) and Spencer Turnbull (right elbow sprain) are on the 60-day injured list they removed from the 40-man squad.