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Detroit Tigers takeaways: Why Jackson Jobe arrived at Tropicana Field
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- Detroit Tigers takeaways: Why Jackson Jobe arrived at Tropicana Field
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Detroit Tigers beat the Tampa Bay Rays , 8-0 , on Tuesday, June 2, in the second of three games in the series at Tropicana Field.
The two-game winning streak features 18 runs, including a leadoff home run from Gleyber Torres in his return from the injured list Tuesday against left-hander Steven Matz .
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The Tigers are 24-38 – they entered Wednesday fourth in the American League Central, 11 games back of division-leading Cleveland and 6½ games out of a wild-card spot.
TUESDAY'S ACTION: Early runs launch Tigers past Rays for second win in a row
Why Jackson Jobe arrived at Tropicana Field
If the Tigers return to AL contender status this season, the Aug. 3 trade deadline will be a chance to add talent from outside in search of a deep playoff run.
One potential boost is already in the organization.
Right-hander Jackson Jobe – recovering from Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow – joined the Tigers at Tropicana Field before Tuesday's game to throw a bullpen session in front of coaches and the medical staff.
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"We wanted to see Jackson – and also give Jackson a little boost of energy," manager A.J. Hinch said.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.
Jobe underwent the surgery June 16, 2025 – nearly 12 months ago.
The Tigers expect Jobe will be available in August.
The 23-year-old remains on track for the expected recovery timeline now that he has completed double-digit bullpen sessions in his throwing program.
Jobe is gearing up to face hitters in live batting practice sessions on the TigerTown backfields. At Tropicana Field, pitching coach Chris Fetter and assistant pitching coaches Robin Lund and Juan Nieves watched Jobe's bullpen closely.
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"He's starting to build plans to see hitters in a few weeks," Hinch said. "That will lead to more and more baseball activity."
The Tigers aren't far away from TigerTown, as the Lakeland, Florida, complex is just a bit under 60 miles from the Trop.
"It can get redundant in Lakeland on rehab all year," Hinch said.
Jobe – whom the Tigers selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft – hasn't pitched in a game since May 28, 2025, the final of 10 starts in which he compiled a 4.22 ERA with 27 walks and 39 strikeouts across 49 innings.
He made his MLB debut in September 2024.
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"I think Jackson coming and throwing a bullpen is a great boost for us as a staff, knowing he's somewhere down the road of recovery," Hinch said, "and for him, knowing that he's still a part of this despite being away from our team for the entire season."
Timing on fastballs defines offense
Detroit Tigers centerfielder Matt Vierling (8) hits a triple in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
In May, the Tigers were overmatched at the plate.
Fastballs beat them.
Breaking balls and offspeed pitches fooled them.
Runs were at a premium.
Through 28 games in May, the Tigers averaged fewer than three runs per game en route to a 6-22 record. But in the first two games of June? They've scored 18 runs, for a 2-0 record.
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What is the difference?
It's timing.
"We're on time," Hinch said. "We're on time to hit pitches, and we're getting good pitches to hit. This is a good offensive team when we get locked in on a game plan and go out and execute – and then when you piece at-bats together."
The Tigers are relying on a team-wide approach.
Hit the fastball.
Two games don't wipe away what happened in the past, but after scoring 18 runs in two days, the Tigers finally have a reminder of what they're capable of accomplishing – as long as they're on time for fastballs.
"I feel like we were getting beat on fastballs," first baseman Spencer Torkelson said. "When you're late on fastballs, you're not only going to be late on fastballs, but you're going to be late on the offspeed pitches and chase more. I think we're getting our swing off, and we're having a really solid team approach of attacking the fastball."
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Justin Verlander makes rehab start
Right-hander Justin Verlander completed his first (and possibly only) rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Toledo, throwing five scoreless innings in a 64-pitch performance.
The 43-year-old faced the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs , in Des Moines – his first appearance for the Mud Hens since 2015.
He is recovering from left hip inflammation.
Verlander hasn't pitched for the Tigers since March 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. But as long as he doesn't experience symptoms of injury in the coming days, he should return to the Tigers for his next start.
In Tuesday's game, Verlander averaged 93.5 mph with his fastball – topping out at 95.1 mph.
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Verlander gave up four hits, but he didn't allow any walks while striking out three batters in his five scoreless innings. He also filled up the strike zone, with 48 of his 64 pitches for strikes.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers takeaways: Jackson Jobe arrives at Tropicana Field
