Tyler Holton isn’t concerned about his pitching role with the Detroit Tigers.
His singular focus has combined preparation with confidence.
“Just being available and having the confidence to go out there and get the job done, no matter the situation,” Holton said. “That has been my mindset that has carried me through my career.”
The former Florida State and Lincoln High pitcher is enjoying an impressive debut with the Tigers.
The left-hand reliever has appeared in 29 games with one start, boasting a sparkling 1.89 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings.
Holton, 27, has allowed one earned run over nine innings in his last seven appearances, including a streak of five consecutive scoreless innings. He has allowed one hit with five strikeouts and zero walks during that span prior to Monday’s All-Star break.
Holton, who with his wife returned to their Destin home this week, and the Tigers open the second half at Seattle Friday. The Mariners’ catcher is Holton’s former FSU teammate Cal Raleigh.
Tyler Holton made his MLB debut with Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022
Holton did not know what to expect when the Tigers claimed him off waivers in mid-February from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who had drafted Holton in the ninth round out of FSU in 2018.
Holton also made his MLB debut with Arizona in 2022, appearing in relief in 10 games and throwing nine innings.
Ironically, the lone familiar face in Detroit’s locker room was head athletic trainer Ryne Eubanks, who had worked the previous nine seasons with the Diamondbacks.
Eubanks helped with Holton’s rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery in 2018 while at FSU. In his opening start against Xavier, Holton injured his pitching elbow and was lost for the year. He didn’t pitch again until his second season in the Diamondbacks organization.
“We came up together through the minor leagues and it was kind of funny he’s the guy I knew (with Detroit),” Holton said and laughed. “It was nice to see a familiar face.”
While Holton didn’t break spring training camp, the Tigers quickly promoted him from Triple-A in mid-April.
Holton has helped solidify the team’s bullpen as it looks to keep pace in the American League Central with Cleveland (45-45) and Minnesota (45-46). The Tigers (39-50) stand 5.5 games out of first place.
Holton, known for his competitiveness and ability to attack the strike zone, throws six pitches: four-seam fastball, changeup, cutter, slider, sinker and curveball. He also works both sides of the plate without fear. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch feels comfortable utilizing Holton in different situations.
“He can change pace, change speeds, generally throws strikes,” Hinch told the Detroit News earlier this season.
“There’s a lot of things he can do that pitches to a lot of different game plans. I’m not afraid of right-handed hitters with him, which is important with the three-batter rule, and he’s pretty effective against lefties. The fact that I can use him really in any spot in the batting order is pretty key.”
Holton is thankful he has found his way back to the big leagues. He has been reliable and has continued to earn his opportunities.
“I feel like every outing I’m trying to prove myself,” Holton said.
“But it has been great. The team is a lot of fun, a tight-knit group of guys. I can’t remember when I was having this much fun, probably back (at FSU).”