Sunday was shaping up to be a big day for the Detroit Tigers, as pitcher Casey Mize was set to make his return from the 15-day injured list. But Mother Nature had other plans.
The Tigers had Mize penciled into their lineup for the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, but looming thunderstorms forced a change of plans. With a large line of storms moving east and expected to hit just before the first pitch, the game was postponed.
The Tigers, who were scheduled to fly to Houston afterwards, opted to reschedule the game for September.
Mize, who was ready to make his 10th start of the season, has been battling a right adductor strain. After a stint on the injured list, he showed promising signs in a rehab game with the Tigers’ Class A affiliate in Lakeland, pitching five solid innings and allowing just one earned run. This isn’t Mize’s first dance with this injury; he initially hit the IL on April 29 and made his return by May 16.
In his nine starts this season, Mize has been impressive, posting a 2-3 record with a 2.27 ERA, notching 49 strikeouts against 12 walks over 47.2 innings. Between his stints on the injured list, Mize managed three starts, going 0-1 with two earned runs in 16.2 innings, striking out 14 and walking just one. This follows his standout 2025 season where he went 14-6 with a 3.87 ERA, racking up 139 strikeouts over 149 innings.
With the postponement, the Tigers have adjusted their rotation for the upcoming series against the Houston Astros. Troy Melton will take the mound on Monday, followed by Framber Valdez, with Mize slated to pitch on Wednesday.
Saturday brought a mix of news for the Tigers’ pitching staff. Tarik Skubal made his return from surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow.
While his comeback wasn’t victorious-he gave up three runs, including a homer, over 4.2 innings-it’s a step forward. Meanwhile, right-handed starter Jack Flaherty was placed on the 15-day IL with a left peroneal strain, though he’s already begun light throwing.
The Tigers are hopeful for a quick recovery.
Looking ahead, Skubal is expected to pitch on Friday when the Tigers head back to Comerica Park to face the Chicago White Sox. With an off day providing extra rest, the Tigers are optimistic about their pitching lineup as they navigate these early-season hurdles.