Paul Sewald, the 35-year-old veteran reliever for the Detroit Tigers, is on the path to recovery after battling consecutive right shoulder strains that have sidelined him for most of the season. After being traded from the Cleveland Guardians, he reported to Comerica Park and began a return-to-play throwing progression. Sewald expressed optimism about his rehab, noting he felt great after his first day of catch. The Tigers anticipate he will be healthy enough to pitch by early September and potentially return to the mound by mid-month, although Sewald has not committed to a specific timeline.

Sewald's performance before the injuries included a 4.70 ERA over 15⅓ innings, with notable strikeout potential; however, he acknowledges the unpredictable nature of rehabilitation timelines. He is focused on regaining his strength and is prepared for potential workload restrictions upon his return. Looking ahead, he aspires to be a significant contributor to the Tigers' bullpen as they aim for a postseason run.

The Detroit Tigers made a significant trade, acquiring right-handers Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catching prospect Enrique Jimenez. This move comes as a response to the injury of Reese Olson, the Tigers' second-best starter, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder strain. Paddack, with a 4.95 ERA over his last 21 starts, is expected to step into Olson's role, while Dobnak will report to Triple-A Toledo. However, Paddack's struggles raise concerns about his effectiveness and longevity as a starter.

In his career, Paddack has not exceeded 108⅓ innings in a season since 2019, and his injury history, including two Tommy John surgeries, adds to the uncertainty. The Tigers' rotation, led by ace Tarik Skubal, is currently sixth in MLB with a 3.58 ERA, but they rank 20th in July with a 4.61 ERA. Alternatives like Merrill Kelly and Charlie Morton could have provided better options for a postseason push. This trade has left many questioning if the Tigers made the right choice in giving up a promising prospect for Paddack's inconsistent performance.

The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their rotation by acquiring right-hander Chris Paddack from the Minnesota Twins. This trade comes in the wake of an injury to Reese Olson, who has been placed on the injured list.

Paddack's performance this season has not matched his improved health, as he currently holds a 4.95 ERA. Nonetheless, he will fill the fifth starter role left vacant by Olson's injury. The Tigers have struggled recently, losing 12 of their last 14 games, but still maintain a commanding lead over the Guardians in the AL Central.

Randy Dobnak also joins the Tigers as part of the trade, while minor-league catcher Enrique Jimenez heads to the Twins. The transaction signals a strategic move for Detroit as they aim for a postseason berth. Manager A.J. Hinch emphasized the need for consistency in their pitching staff moving forward as they look to secure their playoff position.