Tigers Claim Yoniel Curet Off Waivers, Send Parker Meadows to 60-Day IL

The Tigers claimed right-handed pitcher Yoniel Curet off waivers from the Phillies on Monday and moved center fielder Parker Meadows to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot. Curet was designated for assignment by Philadelphia last week while Meadows will miss at least two months after sustaining a fractured radius and concussion in a collision with Riley Greene.

Curet, 23, was originally signed by the Rays as an amateur from the Dominican Republic and was acquired by the Phillies in a December trade that sent righty Tommy McCollum back to Tampa Bay. The Rays had designated Curet for assignment to make room for Cedric Mullins, who was signed as a free agent. Curet has yet to make his major league debut and was optioned to the Tigers' Rookie-level affiliate in the Florida Complex League.

A 6'2", 250-pound righty, Curet throws a four-seamer and sinker that regularly reach the upper 90s. His slider sits in the low 80s but has shown potential. In 2024, Curet posted a sub-3.00 ERA with a 31.5% strikeout rate and a 10.7% walk rate. However, a 12.8% walk rate in 2025, including a 17.4% mark in Triple-A, raised concerns about his control.

Curet’s 2025 season was limited to 14 starts and two relief appearances due to a shoulder injury. He pitched 55 1/3 innings with a 3.90 ERA. His struggles continued this spring, as he walked four of 14 batters faced and allowed eight runs in 1 2/3 innings. Curet is in his final minor league option year, giving the Tigers flexibility to build him back up for a potential role in the rotation or in high-leverage relief.

Meanwhile, Meadows’ season is in jeopardy after the outfield collision with Greene. The 2018 second-round pick hit .250/.308/.333 in 39 at-bats this season but entered the year looking to bounce back from a .215/.291/.330 line in 2025. His injury means the Tigers will rely more heavily on Wenceel Pérez, Javier Báez, and Matt Vierling in center field for the foreseeable future.

The Tigers now have until June 15 to make a corresponding 26-man roster move. Curet’s development path and role will likely be determined in the coming weeks as he builds back up in the minors.