This season, the Detroit Tigers have been riding high on the wings of their impressive pitching performances, a continuation of their postseason momentum from last year. However, a shadow has been cast over their success as the team announces that Casey Mize has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain.
The 28-year-old Mize sustained this setback during his start against the Colorado Rockies last Thursday, a game in which he dazzled for six innings, allowing just one run and three hits while striking out eight batters. According to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, Mize experienced a “little tweak,” which was initially thought to be a mere dehydration issue.
“Turns out it’s a little something, very mild,” Hinch explained, via MLB.com. “He probably wasn’t going to make the start on Tuesday, which puts us in a tough spot on how long to carry the unknown. In May, we’re certainly going to be careful with that, but we expect it to be fine in a short period of time.”
As concerning as this injury might be, one can’t help but remember that last season’s hamstring troubles caused Mize to miss two months. He was able to return by late August, making six appearances during the Tigers’ remarkable postseason journey, though he didn’t take the mound in the playoffs. For now, Hinch assures fans that this injury differs from the one Mize faced last July.
This season, Mize has truly blossomed into the ace Detroit had envisioned when selecting him No. 1 overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. With a sparkling 2.53 ERA in his seven starts, he ranks second among Tigers starters, trailing only American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal’s outstanding 2.08. Mize has recorded 35 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings, showcasing his talent on the mound.
The Tigers, currently leading the AL Central at 26-14, boast a team ERA of 3.08, placing them third in MLB, while their starters sit at seventh with a 3.36 ERA. Notably, they also lead the majors in run differential with an impressive +77, making clear their aspirations for the season.
In Mize’s absence, Keider Montero (4.15 ERA) is set to fill his starting role on Tuesday against the formidable Boston Red Sox. Hinch has indicated plans to lean on the bullpen to bridge this gap for now. Additionally, Chase Lee has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo to assume Mize’s roster position, having previously allowed just one run and four hits in eight innings for the Tigers this season, alongside eight strikeouts.
