Tigers’ Enns Shines with Five Scoreless Innings in Return

Dietrich Enns has made his way back to Major League Baseball in spectacular fashion. After almost four years away from the big leagues, the 34-year-old lefty threw five scoreless innings for the Detroit Tigers in an 8-0 win over the Oakland Athletics.

That kind of outing is rare for someone who’s been out of the spotlight for so long. Fans and analysts can’t help but wonder what’s next for this resilient pitcher.

Let’s dig into Enns’ wild comeback, his time overseas, and what this all means for the Tigers.

Enns Shines in His Long-Awaited Comeback

Enns’ return to MLB on Monday was a sight to see. After waiting 1,371 days for another shot, he gave up just one single and two walks, striking out four in five shutout innings.

He tossed 77 pitches, showing the calm and command you’d expect from a veteran. That’s not something you just pick up overnight.

Catcher Jake Rogers, who caught Enns for the game, praised the lefty’s ability to stick to the plan. Rogers said Enns kept Oakland’s hitters guessing with sharp movement and steady control.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch also gave him credit for staying cool under pressure. There’s some buzz now about what kind of role Enns might carve out for himself in Detroit.

An Unlikely Journey: From the Majors to Overseas Success

Enns’ path back to MLB hasn’t been straightforward. After his last big league appearance in September 2021 with Tampa Bay, he went to Japan and South Korea to keep pitching.

He didn’t just fill a roster spot overseas—he thrived, posting a 13-6 record with the LG Twins in 2022. Those years abroad helped him grow as a player and kept his hopes alive for another MLB shot.

This spring, he signed a minor league deal with the Tigers. After some time sharpening his game in Triple-A Toledo, he got the call to pitch Monday’s game—and made the most of it.

Impact for the Tigers: What’s Next?

For Detroit, Enns’ big night couldn’t have come at a better moment. The Tigers are rebuilding, and a steady presence like Enns can make a real difference for a young roster.

With Hinch publicly praising his effort, it looks like Enns has earned a spot on the roster, at least for now. But what’s his role going forward? Will he start again or shift to the bullpen?

Enns’ Perseverance Inspires the Tigers’ Clubhouse

Enns is more than just numbers right now. His journey—through overseas leagues and the grind of the minors—has turned him into a symbol of grit and patience for the Tigers.

Teammates, coaches, and fans are all rooting for him. There’s just something about a comeback story that brings people together.

• Enns’ Career at a Glance: Broke into MLB in 2017 with the Minnesota Twins.
• Past Success: Picked up two wins in relief for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021.
• International Experience: Went 13-6 for the LG Twins in South Korea in 2022.
• Current Role: Got called up from Triple-A Toledo for his latest MLB start.

Dietrich Enns Proves It’s Never Too Late

Enns spoke with a lot of gratitude after his strong outing. He talked about how much it meant to be back on the mound in the majors.

“I’ve worked hard to make the most of every opportunity at every stop,” he said after the game. That really sums up the resolve and grit that have shaped his career.

At 34, Enns shows that dreams don’t just fade away with time. Maybe he’ll stick in the Tigers’ rotation, or maybe he’ll land in the bullpen.

Either way, his story isn’t done yet. Detroit fans might want to watch Enns and see how his role changes as the season rolls on.

His experience could help guide this young team through some rough patches. In a sport obsessed with youth, Enns’ return is a reminder of what stubborn hard work and real resilience can do.

Welcome back, Dietrich Enns—he’s definitely earned it.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Tigers’ Enns blanks A’s in first MLB game since ’21