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Casey Mize Throws a Bullpen, Injured List Stint Could be Short
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday after just being placed on the 15-day injured list last Friday with inflammation in his right groin, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. It's unclear what is next for Mize, but it's looking like he might be ready to return to the Tigers' starting rotation when he's eligible to come off the IL on June 12. That would only happen if the team feels that he doesn't need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. Mize doesn't have a ton of strikeout upside, although he does have a career-best 26.5% strikeout rate so far in 2026 in his nine starts for Detroit. After being named an All-Star for the first time in 2025, Mize has gone 2-3 this year with a career-best 2.27 ERA (2.41 FIP) and 0.96 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and only 12 walks in 47 2/3 innings pitched. He has a smaller margin for error than other starting pitchers, but he has become more attractive as a matchup-based streamer so far in 2026. Mize is currently rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Justin Verlander Looks Good in Rehab Start, Could Return Next Week
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hip), who is currently on the 60-day injured list, looked good in his minor-league rehab start on Tuesday with Triple-A Toledo and is likely to take the starting-rotation spot of Ty Madden next week. In five innings of work on Tuesday with the Mud Hens, Verlander spun five shutout innings with four hits allowed, no walks, and three strikeouts to pick up the win. The 43-year-old future Hall of Famer got up to 64 pitches in the outing, which is expected to be the only rehab appearance that he needs before being reinstated from the IL at some point next week. He's been out with inflammation in his left hip since early April, but it appears the Tigers will give the living legend a spot in their rotation upon his return. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can probably hold off on picking him up, as he's currently rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues, and the former MVP and nine-time All-Star allowed five earned runs with two walks and one strikeout in 3 2/3 frames in his only start in 2026 before injuring his hip.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Troy Melton Emerging as a Breakout Candidate to Target on the Waiver Wire
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton had the start of his 2026 season delayed by an elbow injury. However, the 25-year-old made his return to the MLB mound on May 24 and has impressed in his first two starts of the year, allowing just two earned runs across 12 2/3 innings pitched. Melton's production in 2026 is a continuation of his strong 2025 performance, as he recorded a 2.76 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 16 games (four starts) after making his MLB debut in late July. With a 17.4% career strikeout rate, the young right-hander has struggled to generate whiffs at the big-league level so far. Still, he's consistently found a way to get outs and showed more strikeout upside in the minors, recording a 32.4% strikeout rate across 75 1/3 innings split between Double and Triple-A in 2025. Melton should have an extended runway to establish himself as a rotation fixture in Detroit and profiles as a breakout candidate for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ty Madden to Pitch on Monday
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Ty Madden (forearm) will come off the 15-day Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Madden is back in action after missing over two weeks due to a right forearm contusion. It's unclear if Madden is going to start on Monday or pitch as the bulk reliever behind an opener. The right-hander has posted a 2.38 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, with 12 strikeouts across three appearances with the Tigers this season. Madden could be an interesting deep league option after posting a few decent outings to begin the season.
Source: Chris McCosky
Source: Chris McCosky
Casey Mize Lands on 15-Day IL, Tigers Rotation Takes Significant Hit
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin) has been placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 28, due to right groin tightness. Manager A.J. Hinch indicated the move was precautionary, noting that Mize requires a slower week as he works through the issue. The 29-year-old has been one of Detroit's most reliable starters in 2026, posting a 2.27 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts across 47 2/3 innings in nine starts. Mize has been especially dominant lately, recording a 1.45 ERA over his last seven outings after a difficult start to the season. While the injury does not appear serious, his absence leaves a noticeable void in the Tigers' rotation. The former No. 1 overall pick has emerged as a key contributor in his sixth season in Detroit.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Casey Mize Plays Catch, Still Awaiting MRI Results
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin) played catch on Thursday but is still awaiting the results of an MRI exam after being pulled from his start early on Wednesday due to right-groin tightness, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. McCosky notes that it's not a bad sign that Mize was able to throw on Thursday, although the Tigers don't have to make an immediate move with him. It's a positive development that the 29-year-old former first overall pick out of Auburn in 2018 did some throwing a day after his injury, but it doesn't necessarily mean that he will avoid the injured list. We should have a better idea of Mize's status in the next day or two. Mize was a first-time All-Star in 2025, his fifth year with the Tigers, and is currently sporting a career-low 2.27 ERA (2.38 FIP) and 0.96 WHIP, with a career-best 26.5% strikeout rate and a 6.5% walk rate in 47 2/3 frames across nine starts. As long as he can continue to miss more bats and stay healthy, Mize will be an intriguing matchup-based streamer in fantasy. He's rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Tarik Skubal to Throw Another Sim Game on Monday
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) will throw another simulated game/live batting practice session on Monday at Tropicana Field, according to Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. Manager A.J. Hinch said Skubal might get an extra day before his next outing as well, which would push it to June 7. Woodbery speculates that if Skubal continues to avoid setbacks and the Tigers keep pushing his timeline, he could make a minor-league rehab start on June 12, with a return to the Tigers' starting rotation potentially coming on June 17 in Houston against the Astros. The back-to-back American League Cy Young winner has made exceptional progress after having a minimally invasive procedure to remove a loose body from his left elbow. The 29-year-old two-time All-Star threw 39 pitches in 2 2/3 innings during a sim game on Tuesday and came out of it feeling fine. Skubal would love to return as soon as possible in June to build his trade value before the early August deadline. He went 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 45 K's in 43 1/3 innings over seven starts this year before going on the 15-day injured list.
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Casey Mize Exits Start on Wednesday Due to Groin Tightness
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (groin) was forced to exit early from his start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels due to groin tightness. The 29-year-old recorded six strikeouts while allowing just three baserunners across four scoreless innings before getting pulled. Mize has been excellent so far this season when healthy, recording a 2-3 record with a 2.27 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts across 47 2/3 innings (nine starts). However, he already hit the injured list once in early May due to an adductor strain and could now be headed for a second stint on the IL. Should Mize be forced to miss time, Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long could be in line for a promotion from Triple-A to rejoin the big-league rotation.
Source: Detroit Tigers
Source: Detroit Tigers
Cubs Linked as Top Landing Spot for Tarik Skubal
Jon Heyman of Bleacher Report identifies the Chicago Cubs as his top landing spot in a potential trade for Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (elbow). Skubal is currently on the 15-day injured list as he recovers from elbow surgery, but the star left-hander has already progressed to facing live hitters and could be ready to return by mid-June. Before getting injured, the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner had recorded a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings (seven starts). While Skubal is not a lock to be traded, he's set to hit free agency at the end of 2026, and the Tigers are currently 12 games under .500. A move to Chicago might be the best-case scenario for fantasy managers, as it would keep Skubal in a pitcher-friendly home environment and provide him with a better chance to pick up wins.
Source: Bleacher Report - Jon Heyman
Source: Bleacher Report - Jon Heyman
Justin Verlander Throws Successful Sim Game on Wednesday
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) threw 66 pitches in his live batting practice session on Wednesday and hit 95.3 mph on the radar gun in his fourth inning of work. Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports that it seemed like an improvement over his previous session. Verlander was placed on the 60-day injured list with a hip injury after making his first start in his return to Detroit at the end of March. The 43-year-old future Hall of Famer has been slow to recover, but he's making strides lately and could be cleared for a minor-league rehab assignment soon. It's unclear when the former MVP, three-time Cy Young winner, and nine-time All-Star will be ready to come off the IL, though, and when he does, there may not be an opening in the Tigers' starting rotation if both Tarik Skubal (elbow) and Ty Madden (forearm) are back by then. There are much better upside pitching stashes than Verlander at this point near the end of his amazing career. Verlander is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Troy Melton a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Following Injury Return?
After opening 2026 on the injured list while rehabbing from an elbow injury, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton was activated for his season debut on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. The 25-year-old picked up a win in his first time out, allowing two hits, three walks, and one earned run while striking out three across 5 2/3 innings of work. Melton was utilized mostly in a bulk relief role upon making his MLB debut in 2025, finishing the year with a 2.76 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts across 45 2/3 innings (16 games). However, injuries and underperformance in the Tigers' rotation should allow Melton an extended runway to prove himself as a starter in 2026. The young right-hander may not offer the highest strikeout upside, but he's been effective at the big league level to this point in his career. Particularly in deeper formats, Melton profiles as a prime waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justin Verlander to Throw Live Batting Practice on Wednesday
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) will throw a live batting practice session on Wednesday at Comerica Park, according to MLive.com's Evan Woodbery. The Tigers are hoping to have Verlander throw four to five innings or 65 to 70 pitches as he continues to work his way back from right-hip inflammation that landed him on the 60-day injured list after his first start of the 2026 season back in late March. The 43-year-old future Hall of Famer allowed five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out one in 3 2/3 innings in his lone start against the Arizona Diamondbacks before he was shut down with his hip injury. With both Ty Madden (forearm) and Tarik Skubal (elbow) potentially coming off the IL before Verlander does, there may be no room in Detroit's starting rotation for the aging veteran when he's ready to return. Even if Verlander rejoins the Tigers' rotation next month, fantasy managers will have better upside options to choose from. Verlander is currently rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLive.com - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive.com - Evan Woodbery
Tarik Skubal Facing Hitters on Tuesday
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) is set to face live hitters on Tuesday at Comerica Park, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Skubal threw a bullpen session last Thursday for already the third time since having surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow over two weeks ago, and now the 29-year-old southpaw has been cleared to face live hitters. The back-to-back American League Cy Young winner is making rapid progress from what was a non-invasive procedure on his elbow, potentially making him available to come off the 15-day injured list by mid-June. Manager A.J. Hinch said that it's safe to say that Skubal will go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the big-league starting rotation, but he could only require one outing before getting the green light to return to the Tigers. Skubal has been by far and away the best starting pitcher in baseball the last two years, so he will give the Tigers and fantasy managers a huge boost when he's back in the majors. UPDATE: Skubal threw a 40-pitch live batting practice session on Tuesday.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Casey Mize Becoming a Must-Add Pitcher in All Leagues?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize has been outstanding this season, posting a 2-3 record along with a 2.47 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and a 43:11 K:BB across 43 2/3 innings. Mize was recently activated from the injured list after missing a few weeks with an adductor strain. The 29-year-old allowed two runs and no walks on four hits while striking out four across 6 2/3 innings and took the loss in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Guardians. Mize has only allowed more than two earned runs in each start just once this season. His K% has increased about three percent from 22.2% in 2025 to 25.1% this season, while his xERA has dipped from 3.66 to 2.71. Mize is rostered in 61% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, but should be rostered in all formats with the way he has pitched this year.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Tarik Skubal Trade Likelihood is on the Rise
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (elbow) could be on his way out of town sooner rather than later. It's almost certain at this point that Skubal is going to test free agency this winter. The chances of the southpaw getting moved are rising with the Tigers falling in the standings. The Tigers have lost 14 of their last 16 games and are currently five games out of the Wild Card, while sitting in last place in their division. Skubal appears to be making good progress and could return to the mound sooner than expected. The southpaw is currently recovering from surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. His eventual return is good for the Tigers, but is unlikely to shift the direction of this team, with Detroit having a handful of pitchers on the Injured List. It could be in the best interest of the organization to trade Skubal for whatever they can get before he leaves in free agency after the season.
Source: Jon Heyman
Source: Jon Heyman
