DETROIT – Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch offered an encouraging update on injured rookie pitcher Jackson Jobe, saying the right-hander has progressed to throwing live batting practice as he continues working his way back from injury.
“Jackson Jobe’s throwing a live BP, which is a great step in his return to play,” Hinch said before the Tigers’ second game of their series against the Houston Astros. “He’s still got some time ahead, obviously, but that’s encouraging.”
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Hinch said Jobe has made steady progress since the club last evaluated him in Tampa, Florida.
“He’s progressed well since we saw him in Tampa and will start facing hitters, which is good,” Hinch said.
While Hinch cautioned that Jobe still has a lengthy recovery ahead, he remains optimistic that the 22-year-old could contribute later this season.
“I hope so,” Hinch said when asked whether Jobe could return before the end of the year. “The plan all along and timeline all along was for him to be able to accomplish a lot this year.”
Patience, progress define Tigers’ approach
Hinch said the organization has learned to be patient with injured players after dealing with numerous setbacks throughout the season.
“We’ve gained discipline by the experience we’ve had this year of just going with what you have in front of you,” Hinch said. “His overall program has been incredible, and he’s responded very, very well.”
The next step for Jobe will be facing hitters before advancing further in his rehabilitation.
Hinch declined to provide a timetable for another injured pitcher, Jack Flaherty, saying only that Flaherty is scheduled to throw a bullpen session before the club evaluates his status.
“I literally want to get 48 hours until nothing can happen,” Hinch said.
Greene’s maturation stands out in first half
The Tigers manager also praised Riley Greene for playing every game through the first half of the season while continuing to mature offensively.
“I think maturation is probably the right word,” Hinch said. “He’s learned a lot about how to hit at this level.”
Hinch said Greene’s home run numbers may be down compared to previous stretches, but his overall quality of at-bats has improved significantly.
“The empty at-bats are fewer and fewer,” Hinch said. “He’s become as well-rounded as he’s become because of maturation and approach.”
Hinch acknowledged that everyday players receive more scheduled rest in today’s game than in previous generations, citing the increased physical demands placed on modern players.
“I think we’re getting a little bit smarter with our workload understanding and how to try to get peak performance as opposed to just performance,” Hinch said.
Pérez also making strides in rehab
The Tigers also received positive news on outfielder Wenceel Pérez, who Hinch said has begun facing live pitching as part of his rehabilitation program.
“He’s doing more baseball activities,” Hinch said. “That’s exciting. Someone we have not forgotten about despite the gaps in time.”
Detroit entered Friday’s game looking to even its series against the Astros at Comerica Park, with the first pitch set for 6:40 p.m.