Casey Mize was in a groove, but now he’s taking a step back — though not sounding the alarm.
The Detroit Tigers right-hander, who had been quietly putting together a strong comeback season in 2025, was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 10 (retroactive to May 9) due to a strain in his left hamstring — the same injury that sidelined him for two months last year.
This time, though, the injury isn’t nearly as serious.
In fact, Mize believes that if it were later in the season, he’d likely still be on the mound.
“I tweaked it during the game,” Mize told the Detroit Free Press. “We’re just playing it safe since it’s May. If it were September, we might not even be talking about this.”
TL;DR
Tigers pitcher Casey Mize is currently on the injured list with a mild strain in his left hamstring, but he emphasizes that it’s nothing serious. He’s continuing to throw, wasn’t pulled from his last outing, and could be back by May 24. Both Mize and the Tigers are opting for a cautious approach as he continues what’s looking like a significant comeback season.
Casey Mize Injury Update: “Very Mild,” Still Throwing
The injury didn’t raise any red flags during Casey Mize’s May 8 start — and for good reason. He completed six strong innings, giving up just one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and no walks.
“Very mild,” Mize said when asked about it. “I think that kind of proves how minor it is. Something is there, but it’s not that bad.”
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch backed that up, also describing it as a “mild strain.”
One of the most encouraging signs: Mize hasn’t stopped throwing at all.
“I’m not shutting down my arm,” he said. “I’m still doing my normal prep and routine, just adding in some rehab work. That’s definitely a good sign.”
He threw a bullpen session on May 13 and might not even need a rehab start before returning.
The injury didn’t raise any red flags during Casey Mize’s May 8 start — and for good reason. He completed six strong innings, giving up just one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and no walks.
“Very mild,” Mize said when asked about it. “I think that kind of proves how minor it is. Something is there, but it’s not that bad.”
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch backed that up, also describing it as a “mild strain.”
One of the most encouraging signs: Mize hasn’t stopped throwing at all.
“I’m not shutting down my arm,” he said. “I’m still doing my normal prep and routine, just adding in some rehab work. That’s definitely a good sign.”
He threw a bullpen session on May 13 and might not even need a rehab start before returning.
Strong Start to a Comeback Season
This trip to the IL is particularly frustrating given how well Casey Mize has performed in his 2025 comeback:
- 7 starts
- 2.53 ERA
- 42.2 innings pitched
- 35 strikeouts, 9 walks
After sitting out all of 2023 and the majority of 2024, Mize has returned looking like a new version of himself — blending sharp command, renewed confidence, and swing-and-miss stuff.
That’s why this feels more like a temporary speed bump than a true setback.
Key Takeaways
Casey Mize has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a mild strain in his left hamstring — a less serious issue than the one he dealt with in 2024. He’s still throwing and sticking to most of his regular prep routine, and there’s a chance he returns by May 24 without needing a rehab start.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t the news Tigers fans were hoping for — but it’s hardly a major setback.
Casey Mize has been one of the most encouraging storylines of Detroit’s 2025 season, and while this minor hamstring issue puts things on hold for now, all signs suggest he’ll be back soon and at full strength.
He’s not shutting things down — he’s staying sharp and prepared.
And if his comeback continues on this path, Mize’s second chapter might just top his first.