The Detroit Tigers are set to call up right-hander Troy Melton for his MLB debut, with the 24-year-old scheduled to start Wednesday’s game against the Pirates.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed the news to reporters in Pittsburgh on Monday, including MLB.com.
Since moving up to Triple-A Toledo in June, Melton has posted an impressive stat line: 56 strikeouts and just nine walks over 36 1/3 innings.
A native of California, Melton played college baseball at San Diego State and was selected by Detroit in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Currently ranked as the Tigers’ No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Melton is praised for his mid-90s fastball and a well-rounded repertoire that includes a cutter, curveball, slider, and changeup.
The Tigers will need to make two roster adjustments on Wednesday — one to add Melton to the 40-man roster and another to place him on the active roster.
Detroit’s current rotation includes Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Reese Olson, with Keider Montero potentially losing his spot. While Melton is confirmed for at least one start, he could shift to a bullpen role later on as the team looks to increase strikeout potential from its relief corps.
Tigers’ Current 40-Man Roster (Full):
- LHP (6): Dietrich Enns, Tyler Holton, Bailey Horn, Brant Hurter, PJ Poulin, Tarik Skubal
- RHP (15): Beau Brieske, Jack Flaherty, Sawyer Gipson-Long*, Brenan Hanifee, Carlos Hernández, Tommy Kahnle, Chase Lee, Matt Manning, Tyler Mattison**, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Reese Olson, Dylan Smith, Tyler Owens, Will Vest
- Catchers (2): Dillon Dingler, Jake Rogers
- Infielders (9): Javier Báez, Jace Jung, Andy Ibáñez, Colt Keith, Ryan Kreidler, Zach McKinstry, Trey Sweeney, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres
- Outfielders (8): Kerry Carpenter*, Riley Greene, Brewer Hicklen, Jahmai Jones, Justyn-Henry Malloy, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Matt Vierling
* On 10-day or 15-day IL
** On minor-league IL
60-Day IL (not counted on 40-man):
Sean Guenther (hip surgery), Alex Lange (lat surgery), José Urquidy (Tommy John), Ty Madden (rotator cuff), Alex Cobb (hip), Jason Foley (shoulder surgery), Jackson Jobe (Tommy John)
