SerpApi.Org
The Detroit Tigers will once again be without Jack Flaherty.
On Tuesday, the Tigers announced Flaherty was placed on the 15-day injured list with right flexor inflammation. This is the second time the 30-year-old right-hander landed on the shelf this season, as he was sidelined from June 13 to June 28 with a left peroneal strain. In a corresponding move, Detroit called up righty Ty Madden from the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
In 19 starts this season, Flaherty carries a bloated 4.59 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Although he's struck out an impressive 102 batters, the righty also issued 42 walks and allowed 11 home runs in 86.1 innings pitched. Flaherty's numbers with Detroit were also elevated last year, registering a 4.64 ERA in 31 starts.
However, Flaherty seemed to find a rhythm upon being activated from his earlier IL stint in June. In his first three starts since returning, he pitched a combined 16.2 innings and allowed just two runs on seven hits, with 20 strikeouts against six walks. He did struggle on Monday against the Chicago Cubs, only lasting four innings and allowing three runs on four hits (including two home runs), but the Tigers still went on to win in extra innings.
Flaherty's previous IL stint lasted the minimum 15 days before being activated. Despite the nature of his current injury (being in his right elbow), the Tigers believe it is a relatively minor injury and hope he can return after the 15-day minimum again.
Detroit has built up some much-needed momentum since June; after a 22-38 start, the Tigers have gone 25-15 dating back to June 1 to repair their record to 47-53. With ace left-hander Tarik Skubal set to hit free agency after the season, the team is motivated to maintain their winning ways and climb into a playoff spot. It won't be easy, though, as they trail the first place Chicago White Sox by 6.5 games in the AL Central and are 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot.
With Flaherty on the shelf, Detroit will rely on Skubal, Framber Valdez, Casey Mize and Troy Melton to keep the starting rotation stable. Valdez has struggled this season, and failed to get out of the first inning on Tuesday against the Cubs while allowing six runs.
