The Detroit TIgers are cruising in the American League pennant race but if there’s one thing that could derail their momentum, it’s injuries. The Tigers are already reeling on the mound as they await the return of Reese Olson and the debut of free-agent pickup Alex Cobb. But things appeared to get worse when Casey Mize left Sunday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.
With several starters on the mend, the Tigers can’t afford to lose another hurler and Sunday’s outing was another reminder of how quickly things can change.
Tigers Starter Casey Mize OK After Leaving Rays Finale Due to Injury
Mize was cruising against the Rays on Sunday, allowing one run on six hits with five strikeouts over the first five innings. While a solo home run by Junior Caminero was his only blemish, it appeared that things got worse when A.J. Hinch came out after he allowed a leadoff single to Caminero in the bottom of the sixth inning.
While he didn’t show any signs of an injury, he left the game with a trainer and cast doubt over his status. Thankfully, Hinch told The Detroit Free Press’s Evan Petzold that Mize left the game with a cramp and there’s no serious injury. But it’s still concerning due to the current state of the Tigers rotation.
Good news: Casey Mize is not injured. The #Tigers removed him for precautionary reasons due to a cramp, manager A.J. Hinch said. https://t.co/AbVRTWjXO8
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) June 22, 2025
Detroit has a big advantage with Tarik Skubal turning in another Cy Young season. But the rest of the rotation looks shaky as Jack Flaherty has allowed a 6.00 ERA over his last 10 starts including allowing eight runs to the Rays in Friday’s opener. Mize also dealt with a hamstring injury earlier in the season and Jackson Jobe was lost for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
If Olson, who was 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA before getting injured, can return soon, the Tigers should have a staff that can help them not only reach the postseason but make a deep playoff run. But Mize’s scare also pointed out Detroit may have another item on their list as they approach next month’s trade deadline.