Detroit Tigers Star made a triumphant return to the majors on Thursday, tossing five scoreless innings in his first MLB appearance since 2021 and helping the Detroit Tigers shut out the Oakland Athletics 8-0 at Comerica Park.
With the win, the Tigers (51-31) secured a series victory over the A’s (33-50), marking their first series win against the franchise — now based in Las Vegas — since 2016.
Enns, a Central Michigan alum, had spent the previous three seasons playing overseas before signing a minor league deal with Detroit over the winter. He was called up from Triple-A Toledo ahead of the game and delivered a standout performance, giving up just one hit and two walks while striking out four. The outing earned him his first big-league win since Sept. 16, 2021 — ironically, also against the Tigers.
“Dietrich stayed composed despite the emotions of being back after such a long time,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He gave us a strong performance when we needed it most. Credit to him and those who helped get him here.”
Spencer Torkelson got Detroit on the board with a solo home run in the second inning off A’s left-hander Jeffrey Springs.
“We leaned on Tork a lot early in the season, and it always felt like he came through,” Hinch added. “He doesn’t need to be perfect — just find a good pitch and drive it. He did that today.”
Jahmai Jones followed with a two-run double in the third inning.
The Tigers piled on more late in the game. Gleyber Torres hit a two-run homer in the seventh, and Zach McKinstry capped a three-run eighth with a two-run triple.
Following Enns’ departure, relievers Brenan Hanifee, Tyler Holton, Chase Lee, and Will Vest each threw a scoreless frame to seal the shutout.
While it’s unclear whether Enns will return to the rotation soon, Hinch confirmed the lefty would remain with the big-league club.
“He’s earned another chance, no matter the role,” Hinch said. “Whether it’s out of the bullpen or in the rotation, he’ll be pitching for us in the majors.”
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