Matt Vierling, Jake Rogers impact Detroit Tigers roster after injuries
The Days of Roar podcast explores how the Detroit Tigers’ roster could shift with Jake Rogers and Matt Vierling returning from the injured list.
That didn’t take long.
The Detroit Tigers activated right-hander Casey Mize from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday, May 24, against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park (7:15 p.m., Fox). The 28-year-old spent the minimum time recovering from a left hamstring strain, missing just two starts.
His 2.53 ERA in seven starts leads the Tigers’ starting rotation, even better than reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal‘s 2.87 ERA across 10 starts.
Before returning, Mize completed a simulated game Monday, May 19, at Comerica Park, facing rehabbing hitters Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Jake Rogers and Matt Vierling. The successful sim game cleared Mize to return for Saturday’s start against the Guardians.
“Everything checked out great,” manager A.J. Hinch said Monday, referencing Mize’s five-inning simulated game. “Hopefully, that’s a sign of good things.”
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The Tigers optioned outfielder Akil Baddoo to Triple-A Toledo, creating a spot for Mize on the 26-man roster.
In seven starts, Mize has a 2.53 ERA with nine walks and 35 strikeouts over 42⅔ innings.
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His 21% strikeout rate is his best mark in a healthy season, as is his 5.4% walk rate. He also has a career-high 28.3% whiff rate, all while inducing ground balls at an above-average 45.5% clip.
Mize is off to the best start in his five-year MLB career — both in the underlying metrics and box score results.
The Tigers (33-19) are glad to have him back Saturday, after losing the first two games of this four-game series against the Guardians (28-22).
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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