Enmanuel De Jesus Exits: The ‘Best Reason Ever’ for Leaving the Team
Tigers Pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus Welcomes Baby Girl, Goes on Paternity Leave
What Happened?
Detroit, Michigan — On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus became a dad! His wife gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the morning. Because of this happy news, De Jesus was placed on the paternity leave list, meaning he will miss a few games to be with his new daughter.
Important Point: In Major League Baseball (MLB), players are allowed to take up to 3 days off for the birth of a child. This is called the paternity leave list. The team can replace him on the active roster while he’s gone.
Why Does This Matter for the Tigers?
The Tigers are about to play the Cleveland Guardians — a team with several strong left-handed hitters. Usually, a left-handed pitcher like De Jesus is very helpful against left-handed batters. But sometimes, family comes first.
Key Facts:
- De Jesus is a lefty reliever (comes in during the middle/late innings).
- Guardians have multiple lefty hitters — tough matchups for right-handed pitchers.
- De Jesus will miss 1–3 games while on paternity leave.
- The Tigers will need another pitcher to fill his spot temporarily.
What Is Paternity Leave in Baseball?
Think of it like parental leave at any job — but with baseball rules:
- Player tells the team his partner is having a baby.
- Team places him on the paternity list (not the injured list — he’s not hurt!).
- Team calls up a replacement from the minor leagues (like Triple-A Toledo).
- Player returns in 1–3 days, and the replacement goes back down.
Fun Fact: MLB added the paternity leave list in 2011. Before that, players had to choose between the game and the delivery room!
What’s Next for the Tigers?
While De Jesus is away, the Tigers will likely promote a pitcher from their minor league affiliate (the Toledo Mud Hens) to help the bullpen. The team also recently made a trade involving Casey Mize, and one of the prospects they received — Kash Mayfield — was just placed on the injured list (but that’s a separate story).
Steps the Tigers Will Take:
- Announce De Jesus on paternity leave.
- Call up a reliever from Triple-A Toledo.
- Use other pitchers (like right-handers) to face Cleveland’s lefty hitters.
- Welcome De Jesus back in a few days — with baby photos!
Summary
- Who: Enmanuel De Jesus, Tigers lefty reliever.
- What: Went on paternity leave after his daughter was born Tuesday morning.
- When: August 11, 2026.
- Why: MLB allows 1–3 days off for new dads.
- Impact: Tigers lose a lefty specialist for a series vs. lefty-heavy Guardians.
- Good News: Baby and mom are healthy. Baseball waits for family.
FAQ
How long can a player stay on paternity leave?
Up to 3 days (72 hours). Most players return after 1–2 games.
Does the player get paid while on paternity leave?
Yes! He receives his full MLB salary and service time — it’s not a punishment.
Who replaces the player on the roster?
The team promotes a player from the minors (usually Triple-A). That player gets a chance to play in the big leagues — even if just for a few days.
Can a player be on paternity leave during the playoffs?
Yes, but it’s rare. The rules are the same, but teams rarely risk losing a roster spot in October.
Has any other Tiger done this recently?
Yes! Several Tigers players have used the paternity list in recent years — it’s become a normal and celebrated part of the game.