DETROIT -- It was a tough night on the baseball diamond, but Detroit Tigers pitcher Chris Paddack had other things on his mind after the game.

Paddack told reporters that he would be stepping away from the team for three days to return home after a death in his family.

“Hopefully that is a little reset for me to be able to go back home and hug the loved ones,” said Paddack, becoming emotional. “The reason I play this game is for them.”

Paddack spoke moments after allowing six runs on eight hits in 1 1/3 innings in the Tigers’ 12-5 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday . It was his first outing since being moved to the bullpen , his first relief appearance since 2023 and only the fourth of his career.

He acknowledged that this season has been challenging on the mound and, now, off th

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