Before the Detroit Tigers became one of the league's best stories, the franchise spent the previous offseason adding veterans and depth. It has contributed to the breakout season and continues to give the franchise hope of future production. One of the most important pieces from these moves is veteran starter Alex Cobb. The former Tampa Bay Ray has bounced around the league, offering a consistent level of production. Cobb was expected to be a steadying force at the bottom of Detroit's rotation as the team attempted to take a step forward.
Instead, Cobb has been unable to make the rotation or throw a pitch for the Tigers this season. Injuries have derailed the starter and left his potential ceiling for the 2025 season limited. As a result, manager A.J. Hinch has shrunk down the expectation from him, per MLive's Jacob Richman, saying that they want to see "how long he can go in the game."
"We’re trying to see how these two- and three-inning stints and how he bounces back from that. We want to keep him stretched out into that 30-, 40-, 50-pitch outing and we need to make sure he can get up and get into the game. He accomplished that last night. I think he was a little bit better"Tigers manager A.J. Hinch
Still, Cobb has a chance to make an impact by working to get back to pitching in limited innings for the franchise. The veteran understands the unique opportunity that is in front of him.
The Tigers maintain an incredible 9.5-game lead over the Kansas City Royals and still have every reason for comfort as we enter the final month of the season. It is completely possible that the franchise is going to deal with a rare problem of staying motivated when the games begin to lack meaning. All eyes are starting to turn to October expectations.
Injured Tigers Starter Doing Everything Possible to Make Surprise Comeback
This unquestionably includes Cobb, who is working overtime to come back in a limited role in an attempt to help make a postseason push. Even if the veteran is able to return, making a playoff roster is extremely unlikely. Still, it could provide the Tigers with a September boost and give Cobb the chance to make a case that he should be included in a potential postseason roster.
For Detroit, it is hard to complain about the lack of production when the 2025 season continues to go incredibly. While it would be ideal to have Cobb healthy, the roster remains in a great position even if the comeback attempt fails. The veteran isn't a needed piece but a great boost if he is able to complete his rehab.
Cobb is expected to continue to attempt to work to stretch out to be a long relief option or start in short stints. How the Tigers will opt to deploy Cobb if healthy remains a bit of a mystery and provides another interesting story to follow as we enter the final month of what has been an incredible 2025 season.