The Detroit Tigers are not looking to rush back pitcher Troy Melton from right elbow soreness, which may stunt his rising development trajectory.
The Detroit Tigers are being conservative when it comes to right hander Troy Melton, who is unavailable to pitch in 2026 spring games due to dealing with general arm soreness. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Wednesday that the team wasn’t taking any chances and having him play through it at the risk of it worsening. The extent of the injury isn’t clear yet and the team will have him evaluated, noting that an update will come in the next medical report. It’s something that popped up within the past five days after previously being active in bullpen sessions and live batting practice sessions through spring training, completing bullpen sessions on Feb. 12 and 17 and throwing live batting practice Feb. 15 and 20.
Melton pitched a 2.76 ERA with 15 walks and 36 strikeouts in 45.2 innings pitched through 16 games, including four starts in his 2025 campaign. He was selected to the 40-man roster in July and made his first start that same evening. He was promoted from the Triple A-Toledo Mud Hens where he pitched a 2.72 ERA in 36.1 innings in eight games with six starts.
Here is the full story from Tigers Roundtable writer Chris Castellani on the injury update and his candid thoughts on the situation.
Detroit was looking to prepare him to work as a starter in Triple-A Toledo or out of the bullpen for the Tigers. The preferable path would be with the Mud Hens to develop him into a starter for the team in a crowded rotation – but could’ve easily been next man up. That now will take a backseat to his health and recovery.