ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Detroit Tigers lost a big right-handed arm in Wednesday’s Rule 5 Draft.

RJ Petit was selected by the Colorado Rockies with the first overall pick of the draft, which marks the conclusion of MLB’s annual winter meetings.

The Tigers had elected to leave Petit unprotected , and the rebuilding Rockies jumped on him.

The 6-foot-8 reliever was selected by the Tigers in the 14th round of the 2021 draft out of Charleston Southern.

He drew attention after an outstanding 2025 campaign: In 66 1/3 innings between Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie, Petit went 10-2 with a 2.44 ERA, striking out 79 and walking 22.

For the third straight year, the Tigers opted not to make any selections in the draft. Twelve of the thirteen players selected were right-handed pitchers. Catcher Da

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