The Detroit Tigers have acquired Easton Lucas, a left-handed reliever, off waivers from the Athletics.
PHOENIX — The Detroit Tigers have traded a right-handed reliever they’ve had for a month for a new left-handed reliever.
On Saturday, the Tigers claimed left-handed reliever Easton Lucas off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. To make room for Lucas on the 40-man roster, they designated right-handed reliever Ty Adcock for assignment. Adcock had been claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners in mid-April.
Lucas has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo.
The 27-year-old Easton Lucas has split the 2024 season between Triple-A Las Vegas and the Oakland Athletics. In 11 Triple-A games, he has posted a 2.87 ERA with eight walks and 13 strikeouts over 15â…” innings. However, in the majors, he has struggled, allowing six runs over 3â…” innings in three appearances out of the Athletics’ bullpen.
Lucas, who has three minor-league options, has faced difficulties in the big leagues, recording a 10.45 ERA with 12 earned runs, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts over 10â…“ innings in nine relief appearances spanning parts of two seasons.
In 2024, Lucas utilized five pitches, averaging 94.2 mph with his four-seam fastball, 90.5 mph with his cutter, 83.1 mph with his slider, 86.8 mph with his changeup, and 93.9 mph with his sinker. His four-seamer has been particularly effective this season. The Tigers are the fourth organization he has played for.
Lucas was drafted out of Pepperdine by the Miami Marlins in the 14th round of the 2019 draft. He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for veteran infielder Jonathan Villar in December 2019, and then to the Athletics for right-handed reliever Shintaro Fujinami, an erratic flamethrower, in July 2023.
As for Ty Adcock, if he clears waivers, the Tigers can outright him to Triple-A Toledo, keeping him in the organization. For this to happen, all other 29 teams must decline to claim him. Adcock has a 9.00 ERA with three walks and nine strikeouts over six innings at Triple-A Toledo.
