DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers could soon receive a significant boost to their pitching staff, but manager A.J. Hinch said the club remains focused on the task at hand as several injured players near a return.
Speaking before Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, Hinch expressed optimism about the progress of right-hander Tarik Skubal, who recently completed another rehab outing.
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“Very encouraged with Tarik,” Hinch said. “He looked exactly kind of how he’s looked in the live BPs. The velocity, the execution was good.”
Hinch said Skubal completed additional work in the bullpen after his outing to build volume and reported no issues afterward.
“He came back. I talked to him today. He’s super encouraged. So are we,” Hinch said.
Skubal is scheduled for another bullpen session as the organization monitors his progress alongside several other injured pitchers, including Casey Mize, Justin Verlander, and reliever Kenley Jansen.
“Casey’s pitching tonight in Clearwater. We know Justin’s pitching tomorrow, Kenley’s pitching tomorrow.
Obviously, Tarik’s throwing bullpin tomorrow, so there’s a lot in the next 48 hours, and we’re going to start mapping out what’s ahead.
Despite the encouraging developments, Hinch said the organization is taking a day-by-day approach as it navigates a demanding stretch of the schedule.
“We play 20-some games with one off day in the next two or three weeks,” Hinch said. “The most important game we have is today.”
Sommers steps up as Tigers await reinforcements
As Detroit awaits reinforcements, left-hander Drew Sommers has emerged as a reliable option out of the bullpen.
Hinch credited the young pitcher for showing growth and maturity since his major league debut.
“I think the game slows down a little bit,” Hinch said. “The overall conviction comes with experience.”
Hinch praised Sommers’ ability to attack hitters and said the organization’s player development staff has helped him make subtle adjustments that have improved his command.
“I think he’s a calmer version of himself now,” Hinch said. “And I think he’s nasty.”
Greene’s durability a bright spot for Detroit
Hinch also highlighted the durability of outfielder Riley Greene, who has become a fixture in Detroit’s lineup after battling injuries early in his career.
“The work he’s done in the winter and throughout the year, he methodically gets through his days and seems to handle it really well,” Hinch said.
Greene has played nearly every day for the Tigers, though Hinch acknowledged he hopes to provide occasional rest through designated hitter assignments and scheduled days off.
The manager noted that injuries elsewhere on the roster have limited opportunities to give regulars additional rest.
“I would love to give Riley Greene a day off,” Hinch said. “But the pressure it puts on the other guys to continue to play is real.”
Hinch on intentional walks, marathon games
Hinch also reiterated his long-standing reluctance to issue intentional walks, despite having done so in a key situation recently.
“I don’t like it,” Hinch said. “I’ve believed that since the beginning of my managerial career.”
The veteran skipper said intentional walks increase scoring opportunities by putting additional runners on base and should be reserved for only the most unique circumstances.
Hinch also had sympathy for managers involved in a recent high-scoring marathon game in Sacramento, joking that the contest reminded him of the old Pacific Coast League’s offense-heavy environments.
“It felt like that game was never going to stop,” Hinch said.
As the Tigers continue their series against the Twins, Hinch said the club remains encouraged by the progress of several injured players but is keeping its attention on the immediate challenge ahead.
“Super excited for the guys that are coming back,” Hinch said. “But the most important game we have is today.”
The Tigers host the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m.