Story by
Detroit Tigers send Ty Madden to bullpen as three starters get healthy
- Story by
- Detroit Tigers send Ty Madden to bullpen as three starters get healthy
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Detroit Tigers have three starting pitchers preparing to return from injuries, in this order: Justin Verlander (left hip inflammation), Tarik Skubal (right elbow surgery) and Casey Mize (right adductor inflammation).
How will the Tigers make room in the rotation?
Advertisement
It starts with right-hander Ty Madden , who has been moved to the bullpen. The 26-year-old will be available as a traditional reliever for the first time Friday, June 5, against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park.
"If you look over the next couple of weeks, we are hoping to get a couple of guys back," said manager A.J. Hinch before Wednesday's series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. "Over time, we're going to need to figure out what's best to put this pitching staff back together."
TIGERS TAKEAWAYS: Why did Jackson Jobe show up at Tropicana Field?
Ty Madden of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Madden is embracing the change.
Advertisement
He is aware of the upcoming logjam in the rotation – and he prefers a reliever role with the Tigers over getting sent down to Triple-A Toledo to continue as a starter in the Mud Hens' rotation.
"I want to do whatever I can to help this team win, whether that be depth or throwing in the bullpen," Madden said before Wednesday's game. "Obviously, you want to be in the big leagues – it's the big leagues. However they see me fit to help this team win, that's what I'm going to do."
The Tigers still view Madden as starter – as he was drafted when the Tigers selected him with the No. 34 overall pick in 2021 – but he will serve as a reliever with the primary focus on the upcoming series against the Mariners.
"It doesn't necessarily signal anything long term for him," Hinch said.
Advertisement
LAST GAME: Early runs launch Tigers past Rays for second win in a row
Without Madden, the Tigers have four starters in the rotation: Framber Valdez , Keider Montero , Jack Flaherty and Troy Melton . When Verlander returns, there will be five starters in the rotation again.
What happens when Skubal returns?
And then what happens when Mize returns?
In those cases, the Tigers will have important decisions to make about the roles for Montero, Flaherty and Melton. Two of those three could be candidates to join Madden in the bullpen, while one could stay in the rotation.
"We're really just focused on the Seattle series right now," Hinch said. "Going into the [ Minnesota ] Twins series [from June 9-11], we'll have to figure out where everybody is. That feels forever from now, based on where we're at, but we're trying to leave our options open for any adjustment we're going to make to the staff."
Advertisement
This story will be updated.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Ty Madden to bullpen as Justin Verlander gets healthy
