Injuries & Moves: Elledge claimed off waivers
LATEST NEWS
May 16: RHP Seth Elledge claimed off waivers from Mets and assigned to Triple-A Toledo; RHP Beau Brieske (upper arm discomfort) transferred to 60-day injured list
Elledge, a fourth-round Draft pick of the Mariners out of Dallas Baptist University in 2017, has 23 career MLB appearances with the Cardinals in 2020 and '21. He allowed 12 runs on 24 hits and 15 walks with 25 strikeouts over 23 1/3 innings in relief. The right-hander primarily mixes a sinker averaging 92-94 mph with a slider in the low 80s. He has struggled to throw the slider for strikes, which partly explains a high walk rate (4.02 BB/9 in the Minors, 5.97 BB/9 in the Majors) to go with a high strikeout rate.
Elledge, who turns 27 on Saturday, has Minor League options remaining, so he gives the Tigers some roster flexibility in their bullpen.
INJURY UPDATES
10-day and 15-day IL
OF Kerry Carpenter (right shoulder sprain)
Expected return: Possibly late May
Carpenter, who was shut down from hitting for a week, was re-evaluated and cleared last weekend. He resumed hitting flipped baseballs on May 14, and he began a throwing progression on May 16. While the Tigers haven’t given a timetable, Carpenter is upbeat that he’ll be able to progress quickly. (Last updated: May 16)
RHP Spencer Turnbull (neck discomfort)
Expected return: TBD
Turnbull has rejoined the Tigers at Comerica Park, where he’ll spend the week rehabbing. He was diagnosed with a non-surgical neck issue following an MRI exam and consultation with team doctors and an independent specialist. The Tigers had optioned him to Triple-A Toledo following his last start May 6 at St. Louis, but that option was rescinded once the injury was confirmed. (Last updated: May 16)
RHP Trey Wingenter (right biceps tendinitis)
Expected return: TBD
Wingenter played catch at 90 feet on May 16, and he will continue to build up throwing volume this week. (Last updated: May 16)
60-day IL
RHP Beau Brieske (right ulnar nerve entrapment)
Expected return: TBD
Though the Tigers transferred Brieske to the 60-day IL on May 16, it doesn’t really impact his timetable. His IL stint dates back to March 27, so he’ll be eligible to return by the end of the month. He’s scheduled to throw a bullpen session on May 17. (Last updated: May 16)
LHP Tarik Skubal (left flexor tendon surgery)
Expected return: Summer 2023
Skubal has thrown several bullpen sessions, his first throwing work off a mound since he underwent flexor tendon surgery last Aug. 17. He’s scheduled to throw his next session on May 17. (Last updated: May 16)
RHP Matt Manning (fractured right foot)
Expected return: Hopefully mid-June
Manning continues along a throwing progression. He's expected to begin throwing off a mound in a couple weeks, once he's cleared to push off with his foot. He's eligible to be activated from the IL on June 11. (Last updated: May 13)
RHP Freddy Pacheco (right elbow sprain)
Expected return: Possibly summer 2023
Pacheco completed his third bullpen session on May 12. He’s scheduled to throw again early next week. Pacheco, acquired from the Cardinals on March 14, was recalled from Triple-A Toledo and placed on the 60-day injured list in order to clear a 40-man roster spot. (Last updated: May 12)
OF Austin Meadows (anxiety)
Expected return: TBD
Meadows continues to do light baseball activity at Comerica Park. The Tigers have no timetable for his return other than his May 1 move to the 60-day IL, which means he isn’t eligible to return until at least June 6.
"I think as an organization, we need to talk more about mental health issues," Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said May 12. "I think we need to do our part as an organization to destigmatize mental health issues in society and sports. However, at the same time, the last thing I want to do violate the confidentiality that I promised the players with respect to the mental health resources and support that we're providing to them." (Last updated: May 12)
RHP Casey Mize (Tommy John surgery, lumbar strain)
Expected return: Possibly 2023
Mize has stretched out his long-tossing sessions to 120 feet. The 26-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on June 15 in Dallas, performed by Dr. Keith Meister.
He also had a previously undisclosed surgery sometime after the elbow procedure to address a long-standing issue with his back, the team announced on Feb. 15. He is playing catch four times a week. Neither Mize nor the Tigers have publicly discussed a timetable for his return; Mize said it depends on how his body responds at each step. (Last updated: May 9)