Jason Foley Undergoes Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery: A Major Blow for the Detroit Tigers

DETROIT — In a devastating setback for the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen, right-handed reliever Jason Foley has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery, the team confirmed on Tuesday. The 29-year-old, who led the Tigers with 28 saves in 2024, was expected to play a crucial role this year — until injury struck.

A Tough Break for a Key Contributor

Manager A.J. Hinch expressed disappointment over the loss of Foley, stating, “He’s going to want to forget 2025 because he very much was going to be a part of this season. I love him as a competitor and know he will attack this rehab.”

Foley, known for his electric fastball and poise under pressure, was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after spring training — a surprising move considering his stellar performance in 2024. However, his demotion turned out to be short-lived, as the right-hander soon landed on the injured list last month with a right shoulder strain, now revealed to be more serious than initially feared.

Foley’s 2024 Performance Set the Bar High

Last season, Foley was a standout performer in the Tigers’ bullpen, finishing with a 3-6 record, a 3.15 ERA, and 69 appearances — tying fellow reliever Will Vest for the most on the team. His 28 saves put him among the American League’s elite, trailing only four AL pitchers in the category. Notably, he recorded at least 20 more saves than any other Tigers pitcher, underlining his importance as Detroit’s go-to closer.

Foley’s performance was a bright spot for a rebuilding team and gave fans hope that the bullpen could be a strength in 2025. Unfortunately, with this season-ending surgery, the Tigers must now look elsewhere for late-inning reliability.

Career Stats and Long-Term Impact

Over the course of three-plus MLB seasons, Jason Foley has compiled a 7-9 record with a 3.16 ERA in 210 appearances — a consistent and reliable presence for Detroit. At just 29 years old, Foley still has plenty of upside, assuming a successful recovery and rehab process.

The Tigers, meanwhile, will have to make tough bullpen decisions moving forward. Replacing a closer with Foley’s experience and mental toughness won’t be easy, but Detroit’s front office and coaching staff will need to pivot quickly to keep their season on track.

What’s Next for Foley and the Tigers?

Foley now begins the long road to recovery, and if his track record as a competitor is any indication, fans can expect him to return stronger and more determined than ever. His absence, however, leaves a significant void that could reshape Detroit’s bullpen strategy for the remainder of the season.

As Tigers fans process the loss of a key player, there’s one silver lining: Jason Foley’s fighting spirit is still intact. And if A.J. Hinch’s confidence is anything to go by, Foley’s comeback story is already in the making.