Tigers' Reliever Will Vest Finds Success with Slider

Pitcher's go-to pitch emerges as a weapon as he works into form early in the season

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:24pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's delivery broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic motion and power of the pitcher's slider pitch.The Tigers' closer Will Vest has found new life in his slider pitch, adding a dynamic weapon to his late-inning arsenal.Today in Detroit

Detroit Tigers reliever Will Vest, who led the team with 23 saves last year, is finding early-season success by leaning more on his slider pitch. Manager AJ Hinch says Vest's identity is not shifting, but rather the slider has become a dominant offering in his repertoire.

Why it matters

Vest's development of his slider is an important storyline for the Tigers as they look to build on last season's performance and compete in the AL Central division. The emergence of a second plus-pitch could make Vest an even more effective late-inning option for the team.

The details

Vest has been relying more on his slider in the early part of the 2026 season, with the pitch proving to be an effective weapon for the right-hander. While his fastball velocity has remained consistent, Vest has been able to use the slider to generate swings and misses and keep hitters off-balance.

  • Vest led the Tigers with 23 saves in the 2025 season.

The players

Will Vest

A right-handed relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who led the team with 23 saves in the 2025 season.

AJ Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think his identity is shifting”

— AJ Hinch, Manager

The takeaway

Vest's development of his slider as a dominant pitch is an encouraging sign for the Tigers as they look to build on last season's success. If he can continue to effectively mix his slider with his fastball, Vest could solidify his role as a key late-inning option for the team.