The Detroit Tigers bullpen took a hit this weekend as reliever Will Vest was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right lateral forearm inflammation. The move, announced Saturday, May 2, comes after the right-hander had been unavailable for the past four games, leaving the Tigers scrambling to fill a key role in their relief corps.

Manager A.J. Hinch revealed the team's frustration with Vest's lingering soreness before Saturday's matchup against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. "There were times in the last three or four days that we thought we were going to get a breakthrough and have him available," Hinch explained. "He continues to report the same soreness despite our efforts to get him back on the field."

While the news is concerning, early tests have provided some optimism. Hinch noted, "The initial tests have all come back with no obvious structure issues, so that's encouraging." Vest will undergo further testing to pinpoint the exact cause of the inflammation, but the Tigers are hopeful for a smoother recovery process.

To fill the gap, Detroit purchased the contract of right-handed reliever Ricky Vanasco from Triple-A Toledo. In a corresponding roster move, right-handed reliever Yoniel Curet was designated for assignment to free up space on the 40-man roster. Vanasco brings fresh energy to the bullpen as the Tigers look to stabilize their pitching staff during Vest's absence.

For now, the Tigers will rely on their depth to weather this setback, while Vest focuses on getting back to full strength. Stay tuned for updates as the team navigates this early-season challenge.