At the conclusion of spring training each year, baseball managers and general managers face some of their most challenging discussions, often informing players whether they will start the upcoming season at the major or minor league level. For the Detroit Tigers this spring, such a decision involved Dylan Smith, a promising pitcher seeking to secure a spot on the Major League roster.
The Tigers assigned Smith to their minor league camp ahead of the regular season, a move that, while common in timing, carried nuances unique to Smith’s situation and performance. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch provided insight into why Smith was sent to the minors rather than remaining with the Major League squad during spring training.
Manager A.J. Hinch’s Perspective on Dylan Smith’s Development
Dylan Smith, drafted in the third round out of Alabama in 2021, appeared in seven relief games for Detroit last season. Despite a solid 1.38 ERA and holding batters to a .150 average against him over 13 innings, Smith also struggled with control, issuing five walks and striking out four. Entering spring training on the 40-man roster, Smith hoped to earn a place on the Tigers’ opening-day bullpen.
During spring training, Smith pitched 2.1 innings, allowing four hits but no runs, improving plate discipline by walking no hitters and striking out one. Yet, opposing hitters batted .364, raising concerns. Hinch acknowledged Smith’s powerful fastball and the team’s need to incorporate more fastball pitchers strategically.
According to Hinch,
“We’re not opposed to making roster decisions early in spring.”
This approach reflects a desire to make deliberate choices that benefit both the club and the player’s development timeline.
Understanding the Strategic Assignment to Minor League Camp
Sending Smith to the minor league camp is part of the Tigers’ broader plan to provide more consistent playing time and coaching to young pitchers who may not receive as much attention in the Major League environment. This strategy allows pitchers like Smith to refine their skills and maintain readiness for potential call-ups later in the season.
Smith’s earlier use of his four-seam fastball at nearly 95 mph indicates Untapped potential, but the Tigers appear focused on expanding Smith’s pitching arsenal and addressing the hits allowed, which factored into the reassignment.
This move places Smith alongside other right-handers such as Phil Bickford, Dugan Darnell, Tyler Owens, and Troy Watson, all sent to minor league camp to benefit from enhanced development efforts before the season’s start.
Implications for Dylan Smith and the Tigers’ Bullpen
While being reassigned to minor league camp might seem like a setback, it does not close the door on Smith’s Major League aspirations this season. Rather, it’s a strategic decision by Hinch and the Tigers aimed at strengthening Smith’s performance and ensuring the bullpen has the most effective pitchers available when the regular season begins.
For the Tigers organization, managing their young pitching talent carefully is critical to building a competitive and resilient Major League roster. How Smith and his fellow pitchers respond and improve during minor league camp could influence their roles and opportunities as the season progresses.
Tigers sent one of their bright-light young relievers, Dylan Smith to Toledo today, but thought AJ Hinch's words were telling: He spoke of Smith's "dynamic fastball" — a heavy Tigers back-end bullpen need — and said they had made clear to Smith "we're not opposed to making…
— Lynn Henning (@Lynn_Henning) March 1, 2026
