 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 1/3 of an inning without giving up a run.On February 26, 1988, the Tigers traded Thurmond to the Baltimore Orioles for Ray Knight.