LHP Enmanuel de Jesus optioned to Toledo, RHP Burch Smith called up to the Tigers

Detroit Tigers pitcher Burch Smith practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

| Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images In the wake of his disastrous performance in Tuesday night’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, left-hander Enmanuel de Jesus has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo. RHP Burch Smith has been recalled. To open a spot for Smith on the 40-man roster, LHP Bailey Horn has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Horn had arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow over the offseason, and has dealt with some inflammation this spring. A brief rehab assignment in Lakeland was cut short after the inflammation returned, and he’ll be re-evaluated and won’t be eligible to return to action until late May. As for de Jesus, he was the darling of spring camp, showing off a solid pitch mix and excellent command both in Grapefruit League action and in the World Baseball Classic for Team Venezuela.

The Tigers selected his contract late in spring training as de Jesus had an opt-out clause looming and other teams were starting to inquire on him. However, that command has been lacking since the season began. The strikeouts were plentiful and he still hasn’t allowed a home run yet, so the potential for him as he transitions from a starter in South Korea’s KBO to a major league reliever is pretty obvious.