Tigers fall to Phillies 5-4 on Aug. 2, 2025, snapping their win streak. See how new relievers Finnegan & Montero fared in the heartbreaking late-inning loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a bitter pill to swallow in the City of Brotherly Love. The Detroit Tigers saw their four-game winning streak evaporate in the late innings Saturday, falling 5-4 to the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite holding a lead and looking poised to continue their hot streak, a late Philly rally handed the Tigers a tough loss, even as the team officially welcomed some new faces to the bullpen.
Down on the farm, No. 4 prospect Josue Briceño didn't just hit his first Double-A home run—he hit his second in the same game.
For much of the game, it felt like the good times would keep rolling. The Tigers, now 64-47, battled hard and held a lead into the later innings. But the potent Phillies lineup finally broke through, staging a comeback that culminated in a 5-4 victory. The loss was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in this league. While stars like Riley Greene (who entered the day with 26 homers and 84 RBIs) continue to produce, the game ultimately hinged on the final frames, where former Twin Jhoan Durán secured the save in his first appearance as a Phillie.
The loss stings, but it also served as the backdrop for the debut of Detroit's deadline reinforcements. Newly acquired relievers Kyle Finnegan (from Washington) and Rafael Montero (from Atlanta) were both activated ahead of the game. To make room, Chase Lee was optioned to Triple-A Toledo. These moves, along with the acquisitions of Paul Sewald and starter Charlie Morton, underscore the front office's clear priority: stabilizing the pitching staff for the stretch run. While not the blockbuster trades some fans dreamed of, they are calculated bets to provide much-needed depth.
If the big league result left you feeling down, look no further than Erie for a pick-me-up. Catcher/infielder Josue Briceño, the Tigers' No. 4 prospect, had a monster day for the SeaWolves. The 20-year-old didn't just hit his first career Double-A home run—he blasted a second one in the same game. It's an incredible display of power from a player who is quickly proving he belongs at the higher level. After his recent promotion, Briceño is showcasing the kind of game-changing talent that has the organization and its fanbase buzzing about the future.
One loss, no matter how frustrating, doesn't define a season. The Tigers will look to bounce back tomorrow and salvage a win in the series finale. All eyes will be on the mound, as another trade deadline pickup, veteran Charlie Morton, is scheduled to be activated and make his first start in a Detroit uniform. A new day brings a new arm and a fresh chance to get back in the win column.
