The Detroit Tigers are set to promote right-handed pitching prospect Ty Madden, who will start on Monday night against the Chicago White Sox, according to manager A.J. Hinch (as reported by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press). This announcement coincides with news that right-hander Alex Faedo has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain after being activated from the paternity list. The Tigers will need to make additional roster adjustments to accommodate Madden on both the 26-man and 40-man rosters.
Madden, 24, was selected by the Tigers as the 32nd overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. At the start of the 2024 season, he was widely regarded as the Tigers’ second-best pitching prospect by various sources, including MLB Pipeline, FanGraphs, and Keith Law of The Athletic, behind only top prospect Jackson Jobe. However, Madden has faced challenges since being promoted to Triple-A in May, posting a 7.97 ERA and a 5.28 FIP across 18 starts (79 innings). While he has struck out 102 batters, he has also issued 40 walks and allowed 17 home runs. Despite these struggles, Madden’s recent performance shows some improvement. Over his last five starts, spanning 29 1/3 innings, he has a 5.83 ERA, but his strikeout rate has increased, his walk rate has decreased, and his 2.80 FIP reflects significant progress.
The Tigers are in the middle of a demanding schedule of 14 games in 14 days, so Madden’s addition will provide some relief for the rotation, which includes rookies Keider Montero, Bryan Sammons, Brant Hurter, and ace Tarik Skubal. Skubal has already exceeded his previous career high in innings pitched this season. Madden is set to make an actual start, as confirmed by Petzold. The Tigers have frequently utilized openers recently, with only Skubal and Montero consistently starting their own games. Chris McCosky of The Detroit News also reports that Hurter will have a traditional start on Tuesday.
Madden’s stint with the Tigers is likely temporary, either a spot start before returning to Triple-A or joining the bullpen. Casey Mize (currently on the 60-day injured list with a hamstring strain) is expected to return soon, and Reese Olson (15-day injured list, shoulder strain) is beginning his rehab process. Madden’s promotion makes sense for the Tigers, as they need fresh arms and would need to protect him from the Rule 5 draft this offseason.
Faedo, 28, has appeared in 37 games for the Tigers this season, including six as an opener. In 57 1/3 innings, he has posted a 3.61 ERA and a 4.28 SIERA. Hinch mentioned that Faedo experienced shoulder soreness before being placed on the paternity list, and the discomfort returned when he tried to play catch after the birth of his daughter (as reported by McCosky). Although the severity of the injury is uncertain, Hinch remains hopeful that it is only “minor inflammation.”
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