On August 7, 2006, Gómez belted four home runs in a game for the Mud Hens. He then was a surprise addition to the Tigers lineup in Game 2 of the 2006 American League Championship Series, and he responded by going 2-for-4 with a two-run single and a two-run home run to help lead the Tigers to an 8–5 victory over the Oakland Athletics. He was reacquired by the Tigers in 2009.