The Detroit TigersThey've secured four pitchers for their regular starting lineup.Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson and Casey Mize. Among those four pitchers, Skubal stands out as the sole one boasting an ERA below 3.00.
For the last couple of months, three different pitchers have been sharing the role of the fifth starter in the rotation.Keider Montero, Sawyer Gipson-Long and Troy Melton.
It was intended to be.Alex Cobb, the 37-year-old pitcher who throws with his right arm and agreed to a one-year contract with the Tigers during the off-season.
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He remains sidelined due to injury.
"It's been tough, especially knowing how much he desires to help this team," the manager said.A.J. HinchAccording to reports on Friday, July 25, "He was brought on board during the offseason specifically to provide support in circumstances such as these, where we've been forced to improvise with our pitching lineup."
The Tigers have acquired Cobb's services.a $15 million contractBy December 2024, and continuing into February 2025, the 37-year-old player sustained a right hip injury, occurring before the official start of spring training for pitchers and catchers. The MLB veteran of 13 years has experienced recurring hip problems on both sides throughout the current season.
Cobb has had so many shots that it's impossible to keep track.
He still isn't healthy.
Cobb threw a bullpen session on Thursday, July 24th, with the aspiration of starting a new rehab stint soon. He had already undertaken a three-game rehab assignment from late May to early June, but experienced discomfort each time he pitched, issued five walks over 6⅓ innings, and was subsequently sidelined.
Hinch commented, "I can't say for sure he's feeling 100 percent. I just saw him in the weight room on my way here. He's consistently upbeat, but he's constantly dealing with some minor issue."
It seems Cobb requires a minimum of one additional bullpen practice before beginning his second rehab stint, but his return date to the Tigers remains uncertain.
Whether he's available depends on his health.
We have to get him pitching again," Hinch stated, "and continue to challenge him until he's ready to compete.
Cobb has proven to be a reliable starting pitcher when he's in good health.
Over the last four Major League Baseball seasons, he's pitched 410⅔ innings with a 3.75 ERA in 77 starts, but injuries limited him to only three regular-season starts in 2024.
"That's a major victory, assuming he recovers," Hinch stated.
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Timeline for José Urquidy
Right-hander José UrquidyHe's still on the mend after his second Tommy John procedure, which involves rebuilding the UCL in his right elbow.
The 30-year-old is undergoing rehabilitation at the Tigers' spring training facility in Lakeland, Florida. He was signed by the Tigers toA contract worth $1 million, spanning one year....including a team option for $4 million in 2026.
"He's doing wonderfully," Hinch commented.
Urquidy threw his initial bullpen workout on May 20, followed by his first live BP on Tuesday, July 22. He's scheduled for his second live BP this Saturday, July 26, and a rehab stint is on the horizon.
Hinch commented that typically, a player needs only one or two live batting practice sessions to be ready for competition. However, he added that returning from surgery requires a more flexible timeline.
Urquidy is projected to start a rehabilitation assignment around the beginning of August.
Following that, Urquidy might be added to the Tigers' starting lineup around the end of August.
We're all anticipating the arrival of his new baby," Hinch commented. "He and his wife are expecting again, sometime early next month, I believe. We're hoping the timing works out so that he's ready to compete around the same time. Then we'll evaluate how much more development he needs before making any decisions about his role.
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When will Sawyer Gipson-Long pitch in his next rehab assignment?
Gipson-Long, a right-handed pitcher, is slated to throw a bullpen session this Saturday. His rehab assignment was recently halted after he made two rehab starts. The 27-year-old is currently out of action due to a stiff neck.
He's scheduled for a few bullpen workouts before starting another rehab stint, potentially around the beginning of August.
Hinch commented that it shouldn't significantly impact his workload, but they want to resolve any problems, so they're taking him off the pitching mound this weekend. They'll likely do this a few times before he returns.
Gipson-Long's last appearance on the mound for the Tigers was on June 27.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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This piece was initially published by the Detroit Free Press.Detroit Tigers fans, keep an eye out for starting pitchers! Injury updates on Alex Cobb and José Urquidy are on the way.
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