The Detroit Tigers began their series with the Cleveland Guardians holding a six-game lead in the AL Central. Now, 50 games into the season, Detroit sits near the top of the American League but has seen its lead shrink to four games after dropping the first two matchups. Cleveland still has two more chances to close the gap against AJ Hinch’s squad. Fortunately for Hinch, Casey Mize will start Saturday’s game.
Mize, who was placed on the injured list on May 10 (retroactive to May 9) due to a left hamstring strain, has returned sooner than expected. The Tigers activated him before Saturday’s game and optioned outfielder Akil Baddoo to Triple-A Toledo, as confirmed by the team’s social media.
While Tarik Skubal continues to lead Detroit’s pitching staff with strong performances, the other starters have stepped up as well, including Mize. Before facing Luis Ortiz, Mize boasts a 6-1 record with a 2.53 ERA, outperforming expectations as the fourth starter in Hinch’s rotation.
Akil Baddoo, meanwhile, has seen limited playing time this season. With Javier Baez firmly established as Detroit’s center fielder and Riley Greene ahead of Baddoo on the depth chart, the 26-year-old will need to take advantage of more opportunities in the minors before Hinch calls him back up.
Casey Mize’s return could be just the spark the Tigers need to end their two-game losing streak. Every game against a division rival like Cleveland is crucial, especially since Detroit defeated the Guardians in last season’s ALDS and is looking to reassert its dominance in 2025.
Mize will make his first start since May 8, moving Detroit closer to having its full starting rotation back. Reese Olson remains the only starter still sidelined with a finger injury. If Olson returns and the pitching staff stays healthy, the Tigers’ rotation could be a major force driving the team’s success this season.