Instead, Chafin will report to Triple-A Toledo. The veteran left-hander all but assuredly has an opt-out clause, so his stay in Toledo will likely be short whether he’s called up by the Tigers or not.

Chafin returns to the Motor City where he spent parts of two seasons (2022 and 2024) after posting a 3.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 70/31 K/BB ratio across 56 1/3 innings (62 appearances) last year between the Tigers and Rangers. The 34-year-old southpaw provides Detroit with some extra left-handed relief depth behind Tyler Holton and should be a near-lock to make their season-opening bullpen.

The 34-year-old hurler has been well-traveled over the past two seasons, making 20 or more appearances for four different ballclubs. He became a free agent in November when the Rangers declined his $6.5 million option and interest on the open market has been slow to this point. The Yankees are also interested in bringing back Tim Hill, so they appear to be casting a wide net in their search for a quality left-hander to add to their bullpen.

Chafin will receive a $500,000 buyout and head to free agency. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw split last year between the Tigers and Rangers, finishing with a solid 3.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 70/31 K/BB ratio across 56 1/3 innings (62 appearances). He’ll latch on somewhere as an experienced high-leverage option.