On Friday night against the Phillies, the Tigers bullpen proved that they were in need of external help, when Tyler Holton came in behind Jack Flaherty (who threw six scoreless innings) and promptly allowed a run and left two runners on base. Will Vest allowed both of them to score to blow a 3-0 lead for Detroit. Wenceel Pérez hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth, but Brenan Hanifee gave up another tying run and Brant Hurter gave up Philadelphia's game-winning single.
The Tigers brought in four relievers at the trade deadline, three of whom were available (Paul Sewald was moved to the 60-day IL after the trade) and none of whom pitched.