Ricky

Vanasco

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.

The Dodgers designated Vanasco for assignment last week to clear space for Clayton Kershaw, and the Tigers had a 40-man roster spot open after trading Carson Kelly, so the Tigers grabbed Vanasco and optioned him to Triple-A Toledo. The 25-year-old had a 3.47 and 27:21 K:BB ratio in 23 1/3 innings at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers had to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the triumphant return of Clayton Kershaw on Thursday and it looks like Vanasco pulled the short straw this time around. The 25-year-old hurler has posted a 13.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over his two innings of work with the big-league club this season. There’s a chance that he could generate some interest on waivers from team’s looking for bullpen depth.

The move clears a spot for the newly-acquired Brent Honeywell Jr. on the active roster. Vanasco was roughed up in a stunning loss against the Tigers on Saturday.

Vanasco was up briefly in May, but he was sent down after throwing two scoreless innings in his major league debut. The 25-year-old had a 3.63 ERA in 22 1/3 innings for Oklahoma City, though he had walked 20 batters. He’ll work in middle relief.

Vanasco will head down with Landon Knack coming up from Triple-A to make a start against the Reds. The 25-year-old will likely be up-and-down for the Dodgers as long as he’s a member of the organization.