Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty participated in a bullpen session this Tuesday, signaling his readiness to take the mound for Thursday’s upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. His return to action comes after a hiatus since June 27, during which he has been managing back tightness with periodic breaks. As Flaherty approaches potential free agency, his performance remains critical not only for the Tigers but also for showcasing his health and effectiveness to prospective suitors.
Throughout the current season, Flaherty has made 15 starts, achieving a record of 5 wins and 5 losses with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.24. He has demonstrated his pitching prowess with 115 strikeouts and just 14 walks across 89 innings, underscoring his value as a reliable starter when healthy.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch expressed optimism about Flaherty’s progress, noting incremental improvements in his condition leading up to the bullpen session. Despite receiving back injections and occasionally missing starts, Flaherty has managed to avoid placement on the injured list, a testament to his resilience and the team’s careful management of his health.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have been dealing with other pitching challenges. Right-hander Casey Mize recently landed on the injured list due to a left hamstring strain. However, he has begun a daily regimen of catch and initiated a running program as part of his recovery, according to the team’s medical updates.
Adding to the roster’s injury concerns, Sawyer Gipson-Long, who has been sidelined on the 60-day injured list following Tommy John surgery, underwent an unexpected left hip labral repair surgery this week in Detroit. Despite his initial recovery focus being on his elbow, the decision to address his hip issue was strategically timed to coincide with his ongoing rehabilitation.
Manager A.J. Hinch elaborated on the decision, emphasizing the opportunity to tackle multiple health issues simultaneously, thereby optimizing Gipson-Long’s recovery timeline. The procedure underscores the Tigers’ proactive approach to managing player health and ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation protocols.
As the Tigers navigate these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining a competitive edge while managing the health and recovery of key players like Flaherty, Mize, and Gipson-Long. Each player’s progress will continue to be monitored closely, with the goal of maximizing their contributions to the team’s performance as the season progresses.
