His next season with the Tigers was the first in which he didn't start a single game, as he went 0–1 with a 4.23 ERA in 48 games out of the bullpen. He made his final playoff appearance in Game 4 of the 1987 ALCS, pitching  of an inning without giving up a run.
In his next season with the Tigers, he did not start any games and had a 4.23 ERA over 48 appearances out of the bullpen. He made his final playoff appearance in Game 4 of the 1987 ALCS, pitching an inning without allowing a run.