RADIO
Troy Melton Will Have Normal Offseason
Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton (forearm), whose season ended early in mid-September with right-forearm tightness, went through follow-up evaluation after the season, and no issues were found, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Melton is starting a normal offseason workout routine and should be a full-go for the start of spring training in 2027. The 25-year-old former fourth-round selection in 2022 from San Diego State looked solid again in his second major league season, going 8-5 with a 2.76 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with a career-high 94 strikeouts and 37 walks in 114 1/3 innings pitched across 20 starts. Melton has gone 11-7 with a 2.76 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 130:52 K:BB in 160 frames across 36 appearances (24 starts) for Detroit in his first two years in the majors. He might have been even better had he not gotten a late start to the season due to an elbow strain. If healthy next season, Melton will be a popular starting pitcher breakout candidate in what would be his first full season in the majors.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Reese Olson Completing a Throwing Progression
Detroit Tigers right-hander Reese Olson (shoulder) is completing a return-to-play throwing progression after originally being placed on the 60-day injured list on Feb. 10 after having right-shoulder surgery, according to MLB.com. Barring a setback in his recovery, though, he is expected to return for spring training in 2027. Olson had his labrum fixed earlier this year and was unable to pitch at all in 2026 for the Tigers. The 27-year-old former 13th-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018 has gone 13-19 in his three-year major-league career, posting a 3.60 ERA (3.55 FIP) and 1.17 WHIP with 269 strikeouts and 91 walks in 284 2/3 innings across his 56 appearances (53 starts). In 2025, Olson went 4-4 with a career-best 3.15 ERA (3.50 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 65 strikeouts and 25 walks in 68 2/3 frames over his 13 starts. Fantasy managers should temper expectations for Olson as he comes back from shoulder surgery, but if he is fully healthy, he will definitely be competing for a starting-rotation spot in Detroit in spring training.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jack Flaherty Set to be Activated on Sunday
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (forearm) is set to be activated from the 60-Day Injured List on Sunday and start for the Tigers in their season finale. The 30-year-old last pitched on July 20 and has been out of action recovering and rehabbing ever since. He has made just two rehab appearances, striking out five batters over 3.2 scoreless innings across various minor league levels. He also tossed a two-inning simulated game last week, giving the Tigers enough confidence to put him on the mound for the final day of the regular season. Should he pitch effectively without any setbacks, this would be a good "peace-of-mind" way to finish the year and head into a normal offseason. The 30-year-old is set to become a free agent this offseason, and a solid performance here would go a long way toward helping him secure his next big contract, wherever that may be.
Source: Chris McCosky
Source: Chris McCosky
Jackson Jobe Emerging as a Must-Start Pitcher
Across 40 2/3 innings (eight starts) in 2026, Detroit Tigers right-hander Jackson Jobe has recorded a 2-3 record with a 3.98 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts. Due to his recovery from elbow surgery, the 24-year-old did not make his season debut until early August. Jobe underwhelmed upon his return, logging a 4.63 ERA and an 18.3% strikeout rate across his first five starts. However, the 24-year-old has begun to dominate in his most recent outings. Across his last 17 1/3 innings (three starts), Jobe has recorded a 3.12 ERA and an elite 35.3% strikeout rate while allowing just a 5.9% walk rate. Jobe had previously struggled to generate strikeouts in the big leagues at the same high rates he did in the minors. If he's turning the corner in that department, the hard-throwing righty carries significant upside and profiles as a must-start pitcher in his final scheduled appearance of 2026 against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jack Flaherty Expected to Pitch This Weekend
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty (forearm) is expected to come off the 15-day injured list to make one more appearance this weekend against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the final series of the season, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Flaherty has been sidelined since late July with inflammation in his right flexor, and without going on a minor-league rehab assignment, it seems likely that the veteran hurler will be a piggyback option for the Tigers this weekend in a meaningless game for either veteran Justin Verlander or pitching prospect River Ryan. The 30-year-old has gone 3-8 with a 4.59 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 102 strikeouts and 42 walks in 86 1/3 innings pitched across his 19 starts in 2026 in his second year in Motown. Fantasy managers still fighting for a championship right down to the wire this weekend should not be looking to stream Flaherty against the Bucs.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Troy Melton Lands on Injured List With Arm Fatigue
The Detroit Tigers announced on Monday that they placed right-hander Troy Melton (forearm) on the 15-day injured list with right-arm fatigue and recalled right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move. Melton felt something in his right forearm during his final outing of the season on Sunday in an 8-1 loss to the division-rival Chicago White Sox, allowing four earned runs on four hits while walking three and striking out four in 3 2/3 innings to pick up his fifth loss of the year. The 25-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 from San Diego State University had a strong second season in the majors altogether, going 8-5 with a 2.76 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with 94 strikeouts and 37 walks in 114 1/3 innings across his 20 starts. Melton produced an identical 2.76 ERA in his MLB debut in 2025, too, in 16 appearances (four starts) covering 45 2/3 frames. A deep pitch mix with strong command makes Melton an intriguing and ascending young arm for fantasy managers going into the 2027 season.
Source: Tigers PR
Source: Tigers PR
Justin Verlander Scheduled to Make One More Start on Saturday
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hamstring, hip) is scheduled to come off the 60-day injured list to make one final start for his illustrious career on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Jeff Seidel of The Detroit Free Press. Fantasy managers still competing for a championship in the final week of the regular season will obviously want to stay away, but it is something to watch for baseball fans this weekend in what will be the 43-year-old's final start in the big leagues before he hangs up his cleats. The former MVP, three-time Cy Young winner, and 10-time All-Star has made just one start this year, back on March 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when he allowed five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out one in just 3 2/3 innings of work. Verlander has been working his way back from hamstring and hip injuries all season, so we should not be expecting much out of him versus the Pirates.
Source: The Detroit Free Press - Jeff Seidel
Source: The Detroit Free Press - Jeff Seidel
Troy Melton Deals With Arm Discomfort in Final Start of Season
Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton (forearm) told reporters that he felt tightness in his forearm during his final start of the 2026 season on Sunday in an 8-1 loss to the division-rival Chicago White Sox, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. The 25-year-old only went 3 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on four hits while walking three and striking out four for his fifth loss of the season. It is a disappointing way for Melton to end his year, but the good news is that he said he did not think his forearm tightness was related to the elbow issues he dealt with in the spring. "Yeah, I don't think it's going to be a long-term issue," Melton said. "The stuff is still good. I'm still throwing hard. Just the execution in the last few haven't been great." In his first 16 starts over 97 innings this year, Melton had a stingy 1.86 ERA while holding hitters to a .201 average and .607 OPS. But he struggled to close it out over his final three starts before Sunday's abbreviated outing, allowing 13 runs (11 earned), 18 hits, six walks, and three hit batsmen in 13 2/3 innings. When fully healthy, Melton is an intriguing arm for fantasy managers with a legitimate six-pitch mix and precise command of his four-seam fastball, sinker, and cutter.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
River Ryan to Start for Tigers on Monday
Detroit Tigers right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the blockbuster trade involving Tarik Skubal this summer, will make his Tigers debut on Monday and start against the Washington Nationals, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Right-hander Keider Montero will piggyback Ryan. Per MLB Pipeline, the 28-year-old former 11th-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2021 is considered the Tigers' No. 3 prospect. He made his major-league debut with the Dodgers in 2024 and looked good in four starts, allowing four runs (three earned), walking nine, and striking out 18 in 20 1/3 innings pitched. Ryan has gone 3-1 on the farm in 2026 with a 4.39 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 47:9 K:BB in 41 innings across 10 starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Triple-A Toledo. He missed almost three months earlier this season with a hamstring injury, but he will try to finish off the year on a positive note back in the big leagues. Because Ryan will likely be limited to two or three innings on Monday, he will not be a realistic fantasy streamer in fantasy championship matchups.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Justin Verlander Throws Live Batting Practice
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (hamstring/hip) threw a one-inning, 20-pitch live batting practice session on Friday. The 43-year-old said that he felt great after this successful outing. This was yet another step in the right direction, as it was his first time throwing against live batters. What lies ahead in his progress remains to be seen, as the plan is for him to pitch one final time in his illustrious career on Saturday, September 26, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Whether or not he is able to throw one inning or more remains questionable, but with him retiring after this season, chances are he will be healthy enough to make that appearance and cap off one of baseball's greatest careers. With 266 wins and 3,554 strikeouts over 21 seasons, the surefire Hall of Famer will be looking to finish his career where it started: in Detroit.
Source: Chris McCosky
Source: Chris McCosky
Jack Flaherty Throws Two Simulated Innings
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (forearm) threw a two-inning simulated game on Saturday, embarking on what could be the final hurdle before returning to the mound for the Tigers. The 30-year-old has missed the last six weeks because of right forearm flexor inflammation but has made significant strides as of late. Flaherty himself said that he felt great after this outing and is ready to get back on the mound. Whether or not that happens in the coming days remains to be seen, but the fact of the matter is that he is nearing the end of his time on the sidelines. Fantasy managers should be ready to add him to their rosters where possible, but be cognizant of the fact that he may be working out of the bullpen or on a pitch count.
Source: Evan Woodbery
Source: Evan Woodbery
Justin Verlander Faces Live Batters
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (hamstring/hip) took a big step forward in his injury progression on Saturday by facing live batters prior to the team's game against the Colorado Rockies. This marks the first time that the 43-year-old has faced live hitters since he went on the Injured List very early in the season. It is worth noting that the batters who stood in the box did not take any swings, but the fact that they were there marks a significant step in the right direction. Verlander is hoping to cap off his career with one final start on the final weekend of the season. With the Tigers almost out of playoff contention and with potentially nothing to play for, that feels like the perfect sendoff to one of the game's greats. From a fantasy perspective, he is only worth consideration if he does, in fact, return, but there's no guarantee that he makes it back in time to pitch again.
Source: Jason Beck
Source: Jason Beck
River Ryan Could Make Tigers Debut Late This Season
Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) continues his rehab process with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens and has yet to pitch for the Tigers organization since his trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tarik Skubal deal. Ryan continues to work his way back from a right hamstring injury and hopes to join the Tigers big league club once fully healthy. The 28-year-old pitched to a 3-1 record with Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to the trade, with a 4.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 43 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings pitched. Ryan checks in as the No. 4 prospect in the Tigers system and features a 65-grade fastball with a 60-grade slider and a 55-grade curveball. Ryan has brief major league experience with the Dodgers back in 2024 but has not pitched in the majors since then. Look for Ryan to be a decent stash candidate in hopes that he makes a start or two with Detroit this season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
River Ryan a Speculative Stash While on Injured List
Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that has prevented him from pitching in a game since mid June. The Tigers' fourth-ranked prospect came over in the trade that sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers, and although Zyhir Hope may have been the "headliner" in the deal, the right-hander immediately slotted in as the organization's top pitching prospect, so he is a highly regarded talent. He's also further along in age than most prospects, so the 28-year-old came over as a player who is ready to step into the big league rotation quickly. His career was derailed by Tommy John surgery, with the 6-foot-2 hurler making a brief debut in the majors back in 2024, but he was fully recovered and looking sharp before suffering the hamstring injury (22.2 percent K-BB%). The last update a couple of weeks ago was that he was throwing bullpen sessions, so he should be nearing a rehab assignment, and for those managers with eyes on the fantasy playoffs, there aren't many who are as big-league-ready as Ryan, so despite the injury, he's a worthy stash in hopes of a late-season call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Jackson Jobe Still Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jackson Jobe had his 2026 season debut delayed four-plus months as he worked his way back from elbow surgery. However, the 24-year-old returned to the big-league mound in early August and has now recorded a 1-2 record with a 4.67 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts across 23 1/3 innings (five starts). Once considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, Jobe hasn't quite figured out how to put all the pieces together against MLB competition so far. Still, he's averaging 97.8 miles per hour on his fastball and has generated a 51.4% ground ball rate this season, which is a decent starting point for improved numbers. Jobe also dominated minor league competition during his rehab outings this year, recording a 1.76 ERA and a 26.2% strikeout rate across 15 1/3 innings. Even amidst his early struggles this year, Jobe could still be worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper leagues for his upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
