Report: Detroit Tigers Activate Former Top Prospect Ahead of Red Sox Opener
The Detroit Tigers have welcomed back their long-injured right-handed starter, Casey Mize, who was activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday. This move, which the Tigers had hoped to make earlier in the week, allows Mize to be available for their series opener against the Boston Red Sox. Mize might start on Friday, while ace Tarik Skubal is expected to pitch on Saturday.
Friday marked the first day Mize was eligible to return. To clear space on the roster, the Tigers transferred pitcher Alex Faedo to the 60-day injured list and designated pitcher Joey Wentz for assignment.
Mize’s most recent appearance was on Tuesday when he threw a bullpen session that manager A.J. Hinch described as successful. His last game for the Tigers was on June 30, when he pitched 5.1 innings of shutout baseball against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing three hits, striking out two, and walking two.
Mize was placed on the injured list on July 3 due to a hamstring strain and was immediately transferred to the 60-day IL due to the injury’s severity. He has spent nearly a month on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo, with his latest outing on Saturday featuring 78 pitches over 4.2 innings, during which he allowed three runs on three hits, with no walks and seven strikeouts. This performance suggests he is almost fully stretched out.
The 27-year-old has made four starts with Toledo, giving up just four runs and 10 hits, with four walks and 17 strikeouts. Mize, the Tigers’ first-round pick (No. 1 overall) in 2018 out of Auburn, has faced challenges in his career. After making his Major League debut in 2020 and a full season in 2021, he missed most of 2022 due to an elbow sprain and subsequent Tommy John surgery.
This season has been difficult for Mize, who has made 16 starts for Detroit, with a record of 2-6 and a 4.23 ERA, including 58 strikeouts and 21 walks in 78.2 innings. For his career, he has a 9-19 record with a 4.23 ERA. The Tigers hold a $3 million club option on Mize for the 2025 season, and he is eligible for arbitration one last time in 2026 before he can become a free agent.