With Kenley Jansen the favorite to open the season as Detroit's closer, per the Tiger Territory podcast, Finnegan will likely need to settle for a setup role.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen leads all active MLB players and is fourth all time with 476 career saves, so it's not too surprising that manager A.J. Hinch figures to look the veteran's way first. Finnegan had 24 saves last season, with four of those coming with the Tigers after arriving via trade before the deadline, but it looks like his 2026 total will be significantly lower, unless Jansen gets hurt or struggles out of the gate. Detroit's 2025 saves leader, Will Vest, also figures to be in the setup mix in the seventh and eighth innings.

Finnegan signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Tigers on Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After turning in a 4.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 39 innings with the Nationals, Finnegan became dominant on the mound once he moved from Washington to Detroit at the trade deadline, posting a 1.50 ERA and 0.72 WHIP with a 23:4 K:BB in 18 regular-season innings with the Tigers. He'll now officially stay put in the Motor City for the 2026 campaign and figures to remain in the mix for saves along with Will Vest.

Finnegan has allowed two runs on three hits and a walk across 1.2 innings since coming off the injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

After missing nearly a month due to a right groin strain, Finnegan has made two relief appearances, and he's been scored on each time. In Tuesday's loss to the Guardians, the righty came on in the seventh inning with an inherited runner on first and promptly allowed a double and a single to plate two Cleveland runs. Finnegan logged 12 straight scoreless outings for the Tigers before going down with his injury, so he may simply be dealing with some rust, but he should still see high-leverage work in the last few games of the regular season as Detroit fights for a playoff spot.

The Tigers reinstated Finnegan (groin) from the injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Finnegan has sat out the entire month of September while dealing with a right groin strain. He made one rehab appearance for Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, striking out one batter and walking another over two-thirds of an inning, and he now has the green light to return to Detroit's bullpen. The 34-year-old righty has pitched 14.1 shutout frames with a 19:3 K:BB since joining the Tigers at the trade deadline and could get save opportunities down the stretch.

Finnegan (groin) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Finnegan said he is "ready to go" for Friday's contest. The 34-year-old right-hander has been on the shelf since the start of September due to a right adductor strain. He'll likely compete with Will Vest for saves during the closing days of the regular season.

Finnegan (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Finnegan has missed most of September with a right adductor strain but has been cleared to test things out in a game setting. Given his brief absence, it could be the only rehab appearance Finnegan needs before returning to the Tigers' active roster. He's made 12 scoreless appearances and recorded four saves since being acquired by Detroit at the trade deadline.

The Tigers placed Finnegan on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Sept. 1, with a right adductor strain, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Finnegan suffered the injury while warming up in the bullpen Wednesday, and he'll require a stint on the injured list. Finnegan hasn't allowed a run since being traded from the Nationals to the Tigers, logging a 19:3 K:BB across 14.1 innings. Tommy Kahnle and Tyler Holton should serve in a setup role for closer Will Vest. Parker Meadows (quadriceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Finnegan experienced right groin tightness while warming up in the bullpen during Wednesday's game against the Mets, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was preparing to enter the game in the seventh inning before cutting short his warmup routine. Finnegan has been a key high-leverage arm for the Tigers since being acquired from the Nationals on July 31, firing 14.1 scoreless innings over 12 appearances with a 19:3 K:BB, two holds, three wins and four saves. Should he end up missing significant time, Tommy Kahnle and Tyler Holton would likely step up as setup men for Will Vest.

Finnegan (4-4) tossed 1.2 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Friday against the Royals. He walked one and struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Detroit starter Chris Paddack only lasted 3.2 innings, which led the Tigers to use four relievers. Finnegan was the second-to-last one used, picking up his fourth win of the season when Will Vest closed things out behind him in a 5-3 victory. Finnegan has been a strong addition to Detroit's bullpen, as he's yet to be scored on in 13.1 innings since joining the team at the trade deadline. He and Vest should continue to see save opportunities, giving both pitchers fantasy value moving forward.

Finnegan (3-4) tossed two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win in Friday's 7-5 victory over the Royals. He walked one and struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Finnegan worked the seventh and eighth innings to earn the win out of the bullpen, with Will Vest covering the ninth. The former has two wins since joining Detroit at the trade deadline to go along with four saves and a hold. He's also sporting an impressive 0.00 ERA and 0.38 WHIP with 12 strikeouts across 10.2 innings with his new team. Both Finnegan and Vest are seeing ninth-inning work for the Tigers, giving both pitchers fantasy appeal but also capping their respective ceilings.