**Detroit Tigers Suffer Major Setback with Two Key Veterans Out for the Season**
In a significant blow to their season, the Detroit Tigers have announced that two of their veteran players will be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to injuries.
**Casey Mize Shines in First Rehab Start with Toledo Mud Hens**
The Detroit Tigers are optimistic about having Casey Mize, a former top prospect, rejoin their rotation by late August. Mize, who has been sidelined with an injury, made his debut for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens on Thursday as part of his rehab assignment.
The right-handed pitcher delivered an impressive performance against Jacksonville, allowing no runs and only three hits over 2.1 innings. Mize threw 35 pitches, recording two strikeouts, one walk, and inducing two groundouts.
Mize’s last appearance was on June 30 against the Los Angeles Angels, where he threw 5.1 scoreless innings and earned the win with two strikeouts and two walks. He was subsequently placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain and later moved to the 60-day IL on July 29, primarily for roster management purposes.
As he is on the 60-day injured list, Mize cannot return until after the end of August. However, this timeline allows him to build up his stamina, with manager A.J. Hinch aiming for him to be able to throw up to 85 pitches upon his return.
Before his injury, Mize posted a 2-6 record with a 4.23 ERA in 78.2 innings, with 58 strikeouts and 21 walks. The 2018 first-round pick from Auburn had Tommy John surgery after just two starts in 2022 and was expected to have his first full Major League season this year. In 2021, Mize had a 7-9 record with a 3.71 ERA over 150.1 innings, including 118 strikeouts and 41 walks.
Mize’s return could be crucial for securing a rotation spot for 2025, potentially alongside ace Tarik Skubal. The Tigers also have other young pitchers vying for rotation spots next season, including Ty Madden, Wilmer Flores, Keider Montero, and Sawyer Gipson-Long.
Additionally, Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter is also on a rehab assignment with Toledo. He started in right field on Thursday but went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Carpenter, who has been out since late May with a lumbar spine stress fracture, was a significant loss for Detroit’s offense. He was enjoying a strong season before his injury, boasting a .283/.342/.572 slash line with eight home runs and 29 RBI in 50 games.
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