Madden impressed in his spring debut, while Callahan blasted a late homer, showcasing key Tigers' potential despite the 5-3 loss.
The Tigers dropped a 5–3 decision to the Phillies in split-squad action, but the afternoon provided several solid individual performances, including a strong spring debut from right-hander Ty Madden and a late home run from Brett Callahan.
Madden efficient in first outing
Madden got the start and looked comfortable early, working a clean first inning against the top of Philadelphia’s order. He mixed pitches well, generated routine contact, and finished the frame with a strikeout of Bryce Harper.
The right-hander worked quickly and showed good command throughout his outing, keeping the ball in the zone and avoiding traffic. While it was an early spring appearance, Madden’s ability to attack hitters and stay efficient stood out as a positive development as he continues building toward the season. Madden did not pitch in 2025 due to right-shoulder issues but brought back his cutter and it was looking good. With the news of Troy Melton today, if Madden can come back and be effective, it will help the Tigers pitching depth.
Tigers offense finds middle-inning rhythm
Detroit’s lineup was mostly quiet through the first three innings, managing only a few baserunners against Philadelphia’s pitching staff. Austin Slater and Eduardo Valencia each collected singles early, but the Tigers were unable to string together much offense.
The Tigers got on the board in the fourth inning when Gleyber Torres drew a walk and Kerry Carpenter followed with a single. Javier Báez then delivered an RBI single to left field, cutting the deficit to 2–1.
Detroit added another run in the fifth. Zach McKinstry singled, Tomás Nido followed with a hit, and a wild pitch allowed McKinstry to score, trimming the Phillies’ lead to 3–2.
Phillies capitalize on scoring chances
Philadelphia created separation in the middle innings with timely hits. Otto Kemp hit a solo home run in the fourth, and the Phillies added two more runs in the fifth on an RBI double from Bryce Harper and an RBI single by Alec Bohm.
The Tigers’ bullpen settled things down after that stretch. Jack Little, Tanner Rainey, and Burch Smith combined for several scoreless innings, allowing Detroit to stay within reach late in the game.
Callahan provides late offense
The Tigers’ final run came in the ninth inning when Brett Callahan connected for a solo home run to center field. The drive was well struck and gave Detroit a late push before the game ended one batter later.
Callahan entered as a defensive substitute earlier in the game and made the most of his final at-bat, providing one of the cleanest offensive swings of the afternoon for Detroit.
Key notes
While the Tigers didn’t come away with the win, the game served its purpose as another evaluation day in camp. Madden’s efficient debut stood out as a positive, the offense showed some life in the middle innings, and Brett Callahan’s late homer provided a strong finish. The moment clearly meant something to Callahan, who played at Saint Joseph’s in Philadelphia and grew up nearby in Newark, Delaware.
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