Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Matt Manning, a former top pitching prospect for the Detroit Tigers, was designated for assignment from the 40-man roster on July 31, 2025.
- Injuries and underwhelming Triple-A performance in 2025 contributed to this roster decision.
- The Tigers needed roster space to acquire reliever Paul Sewald, despite his current injury status.
- Manning’s future in MLB remains uncertain; he may be claimed via waivers or traded to other teams.
- This move highlights Detroit’s focus on bolstering their pitching staff for the remainder of the season.
Table of Contents
Background: From Top Prospect to Roster Drop
Why the Roster Move Makes Sense Now
Impact on the Tigers’ Pitching Staff
Matt Manning Dropped from 40-Man Roster: What Just Happened?
On July 31, 2025, the Detroit Tigers made a significant roster move by designating right-handed pitcher Matt Manning for assignment, effectively dropping him from their 40-man roster[1]. This decision comes amid the Tigers’ push to strengthen their bullpen, highlighted by their recent trade for injured reliever Paul Sewald[2][3].
Background: From Top Prospect to Roster Drop
Matt Manning, once a heralded first-round draft pick in 2016, debuted with the Tigers in 2021 and showed early promise. However, injuries have consistently hampered his ability to secure a permanent spot in the major league rotation. From 2022 through 2024, Manning recorded a respectable 3.74 ERA over 168.2 MLB innings, but he struggled with health and consistency[3].
In 2025, the Tigers transitioned Manning to a bullpen role in hopes of leveraging his pitching differently. Unfortunately, his performance at Triple-A Toledo—where he posted a 6.04 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 50.2 innings—fell short of expectations, with his stuff not translating effectively out of the starting role[4]. Manning has yet to be recalled to the majors this season.
Why the Roster Move Makes Sense Now
With the trade deadline, Detroit needed to create roster space to add Paul Sewald, a proven bullpen arm acquired to bolster an overworked relief corps despite Sewald’s current injury status[1][2][3]. Manning’s spot was the logical choice given recent struggles and lack of major league impact in 2025.
Although Manning, 27, still retains pedigree and could attract interest via waivers, his future as a major league impact player seems uncertain. The Tigers, while balancing rebuilding and competing, may focus on other arms demonstrating higher upside or reliability[3].
What’s Next for Matt Manning?
Manning could be claimed by other MLB teams looking to take a low-risk flyer on a former first-round pick with starting experience. Alternatively, he may remain in the minors or be included in trade discussions as Detroit reshapes its roster ahead of the playoff push or future seasons[1][3].
Impact on the Tigers’ Pitching Staff
The Tigers’ deal for Paul Sewald, despite his shoulder injury, signals a commitment to reinforcing their bullpen immediately, likely due to recent pitching inconsistencies and injuries to other starters and relievers[2][3]. Manning’s departure from the 40-man roster underscores this urgent shift in team strategy.
Summary
- Matt Manning, a former top pitching prospect, was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers on July 31, 2025.
- Persistent injuries and underwhelming Triple-A performance in 2025 led to this move.
- The Tigers needed roster space for Paul Sewald, acquired to strengthen their bullpen despite an injury.
- Manning’s future in MLB is uncertain, but his pedigree could attract waiver claims or trade interest.
- This roster change reflects Detroit’s immediate focus on pitching depth and bullpen reliability as they navigate the season’s critical stretch.
FAQ
What does being designated for assignment mean for Matt Manning?
It means he has been removed from the Tigers’ 40-man roster and is subject to waivers, allowing other teams to claim him. If unclaimed, he may be assigned to the minors or traded.
Why did the Tigers make this roster move now?
The move was driven by the need to create space for Paul Sewald, despite his injury, as the team strengthens its bullpen during a critical season phase.
Could Matt Manning be claimed by another team?
Yes, Manning could be claimed via waivers by other MLB teams interested in his potential, though his recent performance and injury history may impact the likelihood.
What’s next for Manning if he clears waivers?
He could remain in the minors, be included in trade discussions, or potentially sign with another team seeking pitching depth.