DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, keeping him on schedule to start Thursday’s series finale against the Cleveland Guardians.
Flaherty, who could be one of the most sought-after prizes on the trade market this month, hasn’t pitched since June 27.
It’s the second time this summer he’s taken an extended break to calm the tightness in his back. The Tigers are eager to show potential buyers that he remains healthy and effective.
In 15 starts, Flaherty is 5-5 with a 3.24 ERA. He has 115 strikeouts and 14 walks in 89 innings.
“Everything has been a little bit better every single day,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “All that is pointing in the right direction.”
Flaherty has received two back injections and skipped a couple of starts, but he has not had to go on the injured list.
Right-hander Casey Mize went on the IL seven days ago with a left hamstring strain. He’s begun to play catch daily and started a running progression, according to the club’s twice-weekly medical report.
Another injured Tigers pitcher was spotted in the clubhouse this week. Sawyer Gipson-Long, on the 60-day injured list after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his below, wasn’t just popping his head in for a visit. He underwent left hip labral repair surgery on Tuesday morning in Detroit.
“The timing works out to address this while he’s recovering from Tommy John,” Hinch said. “That’s the reason why (he’s doing it now). It’s something that we’ve kept an eye on.”