While one veteran pitcher’s career hits a crossroads, a pitching prospect’s career begins. On Thursday, the Tigers designated veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda for assignment, potentially ending the 37-year-old’s Major League career after nine seasons across three teams.

Assuming he doesn’t unexpectedly wear a Tigers uniform again, Maeda finishes his Detroit tenure with a 6.21 ERA and -2.0 bWAR across 36 games and 17 starts. That’s not exactly what the Tigers signed up for when they inked Maeda to a two-year, $24 million deal following the 2023 season.

DETROIT -- Veteran pitcher Kenta Maeda was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. The Tigers recalled right-hander Tyler Owens from Triple-A Toledo to take Maeda’s roster spot. If he gets in a game, Owens will be making his big-league debut.