New York – Casey Mize’s return is close. Real close.
“I’m not feeling anything in my legs,” said the Tigers’ right-handed starting pitcher who has been out with a groin strain. “I wouldn’t say I am in build-up mode because I didn’t have that much time off to lose much. I feel like the work capacity is still there.
“I feel like we’re in a good spot.”
Mize is eligible to come off the IL on Friday. He threw a live bullpen in Lakeland on Monday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen at Citi Field Wednesday. Manager AJ Hinch said Mize likely would not need to make a minor-league rehab start but he stopped short of penciling him in for Friday night.
“We’re going to get to tomorrow and get through his bullpen and see where he’s at,” Hinch said. “He’s been able to hold his volume. We’ve challenged him a couple of times with facing hitters and we’ve built extensive back-to-back bullpens.
“He’s going to get with our pitching department here we will see where he’s at.”
There is precedent for Mize coming off the 15-day IL in 15 days and starting right away. He did the same thing last year coming off a hamstring strain.
“I am not entirely sure,” he said. “I just know I feel close. I don’t think I lost much in terms of workload capacity.”
Here are some other updates off the Tigers’ twice-weekly medical report:
Shortstop/centerfielder Javier Báez (right ankle sprain) has started his hitting progression in Lakeland. He is still not moving well enough to run or do much defensive work.
Second baseman Gleyber Torres (left oblique strain) is doing full baseball work in Lakeland. He recently started his hitting progression.
Right-handed pitcher Troy Melton (elbow inflammation) has had his rehab moved to Triple-A Toledo. He is expected to start for the Mud Hens Wednesday. He is not eligible to come off the IL until May 24.
Right-handed reliever Will Vest (forearm inflammation) threw a bullpen on Monday.
Right-handed relievers Connor Seabold (left ankle inflammation) and Beau Brieske (left groin strain) were scheduled to pitch for Toledo on Tuesday.
Right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander (hip) threw a bullpen on Tuesday.
Tigers at Mets
First pitch: 7:10 p.m. Wednesady, Citi Field, New York
TV/radio: Detroit Sports Net/97.1, 107.9 FM
Scouting report
LHP Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.57), Tigers: His five-game suspension complete, he will be pitching on seven days of rest. Five of his eight starts have been quality starts but two of the other three were blowouts. He gave up eight runs and 10 hits to the Twins at Target Field and 10 runs (seven earned) in three innings against the Red Sox last time out. He’s pitched well at Citi Field, allowing three runs in 12.2 innings with 10 strikeouts in his two previous starts there.
RHP Christian Scott (0-0, 3.27), Mets: He’s in his first full year back after Tommy John surgery in July 2024. He’s not thrown more than 82 pitches in any of his three previous starts. But his stuff is electric. He throws a 96-mph four-seamer with 7-0 extension, with a cutter and sweeper as his primary secondary pitches. He’s got a 31% strikeout rate in the short sample and he’s limited hitters to a .154 batting average.
Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Next man up for the Tigers? It might be starting pitcher Casey Mize
Reporting by Chris McCosky, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
