Enns Shines: Tigers Pitcher Returns with Shutout vs. Athletics

DETROIT – Dietrich Enns probably won’t have to wait another 1,371 days to get another chance to pitch in the Major Leagues. Enns threw five scoreless innings, allowing only one single and two walks in a start for Detroit on Thursday, in the Tigers’ 8-0 victory over the Athletics. This was the 34-year-old left-hander’s first major league game since September 24, 2021.

He has earned the right to pitch again in some capacity.

A.J. Hinch, Tigers manager

After pitching the last three years in Japan and Korea, Enns arrived at spring training this year with the Tigers on a minor league contract. The former Central Michigan University pitcher was called up from Triple-A Toledo for his Detroit debut in the series finale against the Athletics.

That was always the goal, to return. To use those stops along the way, wherever I was, to hone the craft and improve and try to be as good as I can when I’m at the Major League level.

Dietrich Enns

The last appearance of Enns in the Major Leagues was in two relief innings for Tampa Bay against Miami at the end of the 2021 season. He was with the Seibu Lions in Japan from 2022-23 before having a 13-6 record last year for the LG Twins in South Korea. The Athletics were retired 1-2-3 with eight pitches in the first inning. Enns struck out four while throwing 55 of 77 pitches for strikes to the 17 batters he faced.

That was incredible. I mean, good for him and obviously good for our team and good for the organization. A lot of people contributed to this moment. Dietrich came in and kept himself under control and kept himself within himself through all the emotion and the comeback after a thousand days or whatever it was. He delivered a great performance at a time when we needed it. So, congratulations to him and everyone around him who helped him get to this moment.

A.J. Hinch, manager of the Tigers

Enns only made his second start in 12 Major League games. He has a 3-0 record, the first two wins came in relief against the Tigers when he was pitching for Tampa Bay in 2021. He pitched in two games, with one start, for Minnesota in 2017.

He did exactly what he needed to do. He stuck to the plan and achieved many quick outs.

Jake Rogers, catcherHe did a very good job of staying in the zone with all his pitches and giving me the reins to go in many different ways. He kept them off balance.