{"id":122559,"date":"2026-05-23T15:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T19:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=122559"},"modified":"2026-05-23T15:24:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T19:24:29","slug":"tigers-pitching-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/05\/23\/tigers-pitching-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Pitching Staff Welcomes Injured Tigers Back While Suffering Bullpen Set Backs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Both Tarik Skubal<\/a> and Troy Melton<\/a> are getting closer to making their respective returns from injury, but the Detroit pitching staff is also losing Brant Hurter<\/a> and Burch Smith<\/a> to the injured list. The mixed news feels hauntingly familiar for Tigers fans who have seen injuries to key players like Skubal, Kerry Carpenter<\/a>, and Casey Mize<\/a> derail what at first seemed a promising season. The team will have to rely more heavily on starting pitching now and hope their bats can also come alive.<\/p>\n

Health Report a Mixed Bag for Tigers<\/h2>\n

Hurter entered the game on Friday in relief of the struggling Jack Flaherty<\/a>. The starter gave up six runs in just 3 1\/3 IP against the Baltimore Orioles; this was the fifth time in his last seven starts that he’s failed to crack four innings<\/a>. The game went from bad to worse in the fifth as Hurter exited the game with back soreness immediately after facing Tyler O’Neill<\/a>. Smith didn’t even make it that long, as he went to the injured list with right shoulder inflammation pre-game in Baltimore.<\/p>\n

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The bullpen has had to shoulder a large burden to this point in the season. Three Detroit starters have spent time on the IL so far in 2026, and Framber Valdez<\/a> also earned a suspension, missing a start in the process. This added workload may go some way toward explaining the recent injuries, but it in no way comforts a reeling staff. However, at least two injured starters are ready, or nearing readiness.<\/p>\n

Melton began the season on the IL after being leaned on late last season out of the bullpen. However, the Detroit Tigers took their time bringing him back in order to stretch him out to be used as a starting pitcher. That decision is soon to pay dividends as Melton is slated for his first start against the Orioles on Sunday. Skubal, meanwhile, continues to generate buzz around the league with his extremely fast recovery from his arthroscopy.<\/p>\n

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The Tigers today placed RHP Burch Smith on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. RHP Brenan Hanifee has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) May 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n