Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda throws against the Astros during the eighth inning on Tuesday in Houston. (AP photo)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Kenta Maeda was cut by the Detroit Tigers on Thursday to open a spot in the bullpen for hard-throwing prospect Tyler Owens.

Maeda was designated for assignment after compiling a 7.88 ERA over seven relief appearances in the second season of a $24 million, two-year contract. Detroit has seven days to trade or release him, or send him outright to the minors if he clears waivers.

The 37-year-old right-hander has enough major league service time that he could refuse a minor league assignment and choose to become a free agent instead.

“It’s tough because when he was good, he really helped us, and when he struggled, we really didn’t get him back on track, so it’s a frustrating end to his time here,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said before Thursday night’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels.

Owens was recalled from Triple-A Toledo.

“We do want to create opportunities for the young players and the young pitchers, and we’re really excited about Tyler and some of the adjustments we asked him to work on at the beginning of the season to get his velocity and execution where it needs to be,” Hinch said.

Maeda went 3-7 with a 6.09 ERA in 29 games last season, including 17 starts. He was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 7.26 ERA in his first 16 starts, but had some success in a relief role with a 4.44 ERA in 46 2/3 innings.

But after failing to win a rotation spot this spring, Maeda, who missed the 2022 season because of Tommy John surgery, struggled in a mop-up role, his velocity down and the command of his splitter spotty.

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