Tigers DFA former Yankees fan favorite right before weekend clash

With the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees set to battle in a three-game set this weekend with both teams headed in completely different directions, coincidentally a couple of storylines emerged linking the clubs.

There have been some ripple effects from the Tigers' recent decisions to call up a few top prospects and a number of former Yankees were involved.

On Thursday, the Tigers made the decision to promote No. 20 prospect Trey Sweeney to the MLB roster. Sweeney was traded to the Tigers at the deadline in the package for Jack Flaherty, who went to the Dodgers. Sweeney was traded to the Dodgers in the offseason for Victor Gonzalez and top prospect Jorbit Vivas as New York eyed some bullpen help.

So, yeah, as you can see, the Dodgers used a former Yankees asset to beat the Yankees at the deadline when it came to chasing starting pitching. Oh yeah, and Gonzalez was designated for assignment. Great deal.

Detroit also called up No. 5 prospect Jace Jung, which created a larger roster crunch. Former Yankees fan favorite Gio Urshela lost his roster spot as a result just hours before the start of the series.

Tigers DFA former Yankees fan favorite right before weekend clash

Back in the offseason, it was believed the Yankees could reunite with Urshela because they needed some infield depth and versatility, but they ended up keeping faith in DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera and Gleyber Torres while trading for Jon Berti. So far, only Cabrera has rewarded their allegiance.

As for Urshela, it's been a shame watching him bounce around the league after the Yankees traded him to the Twins in the ill-fated Josh Donaldson deal. He's a talented player that was beloved in New York during his stint from 2019-2021.

Tigers fans were surprised to see Urshela go because Zach McKinstry felt like the more obvious departure given how poorly he's been performing this season. Urshela wasn't doing great (.243 AVG, .619 OPS), but he at least brings veteran experience to the table while McKinstry (.191 AVG, .595 OPS) has failed to build off a subpar 2023.

The Yankees will also get a look at Sweeney immediately. New York's former top prospect is in Friday's starting lineup for the Tigers, so barring a rainout he'll make his MLB debut against Gerrit Cole.