Story by
Elbow injury leaves Tigers' Troy Melton unlikely for 2026 Opening Day
- Story by
- Elbow injury leaves Tigers' Troy Melton unlikely for 2026 Opening Day
LAKELAND, FL – The Detroit Tigers aren't expecting right-hander Troy Melton on the 2026 Opening Day roster.
It's not because of performance.
It's due to injury.
The 25-year-old has been shut down from throwing for one to two weeks with right elbow inflammation , which means he isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 26 against the San Diego Padres .
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"It's unlikely that he's going to be ready for the beginning of the season," manager A.J. Hinch said Friday, Feb. 27, before a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies , "but we'll know more as we ramp him back up what that exactly means."
HE'S BACK: Tigers' Dillon Dingler returns after elbow surgery, not fully cleared
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton, right, talks to assistant pitching coach Robin Lund after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
Melton visited a doctor for general arm soreness .
He was diagnosed with inflammation in his right elbow.
"The doctor suggested one to two weeks of no throw," Hinch said, "while he can still do other things – lifting, running, [pitcher fielding practice]. We'll limit the throw while things calm down."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
COMING SOON: Here's when Framber Valdez will make first spring start for Tigers
Melton completed a bullpen Feb. 12, then threw live batting practice Feb. 15, followed by another bullpen Feb. 17 and another live batting practice Feb. 20, but he hasn't pitched since then.
He is still waiting for his first spring training game.
"Time of year, certainly going to be super cautious with his throwing program," Hinch said.
[ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Detroit Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts ( Apple , Spotify ) ]
In 2025, Melton registered a 2.76 ERA with 15 walks and 36 strikeouts across 45â…” innings in 16 games (four starts). He also had a 3.23 ERA over 39 innings in 10 starts for Double-A Erie and a 2.72 ERA over 36â…“ innings in eight games (six starts) for Triple-A Toledo.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
He made his MLB debut in July 2025 .
For now, the Tigers have lost one of their next men up in the rotation depth chart to begin the 2026 season.
Before the injury, Melton projected to serve as the No. 1 starter in the Triple-A Toledo rotation coming out of spring training – unless the Tigers carried him in their bullpen, which seemed unlikely based on the long-term plan for his development as a starter.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Wenceel Pérez on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Sommers on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Holton on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Will Vest on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Anderson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brenan Hanifee on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Mattison on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Ben Malgeri on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers Konnor Pilkington on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Max Anderson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers catcher Eduardo Valencia on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bryan Sammons on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers catcher Tomás Nido on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Kyle Finnegan on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tanner Rainey on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Slater on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Phil Bickford on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Scott Effross on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Reese Olson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Seelinger on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Burch Smith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Little on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Watson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Corey Julks on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Trey Sweeney on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Cole Waites on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Owens on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bailey Horn on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ricky Vanasco on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jake Miller on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dugan Darnell on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers catcher Josue Briceño on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers third base coach Joey Cora on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers first base coach Anthony Sanders on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers assistant hitting coach Cody Asche on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers catching coach Ryan Sienko on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers bullpen catcher coach Tim Remes on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers bullpen catcher coach Chris Chinea on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers assistant hitting coach Lance Zawadzki on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers assistant pitching coach Robin Lund on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers hitting coach Michael Brdar on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers quality control coach Billy Boyer on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
1
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
1
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
2
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
3
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
4
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
5
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
6
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
7
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
8
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
9
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
10
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
11
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers outfielder Wenceel Pérez on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
12
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
13
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
14
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
15
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
16
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Sommers on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
17
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
18
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Holton on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
19
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Will Vest on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
20
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Anderson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
21
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brenan Hanifee on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
22
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
23
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
24
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
25
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
26
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
27
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
28
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Mattison on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
29
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers outfielder Ben Malgeri on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
30
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
31
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers Konnor Pilkington on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
32
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
33
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
34
/82
Detroit Tigers top 14 prospects flush with left-handed hitters
Detroit Tigers infielder Max Anderson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
35
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers catcher Eduardo Valencia on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
36
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bryan Sammons on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
37
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers catcher Tomás Nido on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
38
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Kyle Finnegan on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
39
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tanner Rainey on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
40
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Slater on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
41
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Phil Bickford on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
42
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Scott Effross on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
43
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
44
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Reese Olson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
45
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
46
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
47
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Seelinger on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
48
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
49
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Burch Smith on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
50
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
51
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Little on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
52
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Watson on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
53
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers outfielder Corey Julks on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
54
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers infielder Trey Sweeney on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
55
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
56
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
57
/82
Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
58
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
59
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Cole Waites on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
60
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Owens on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
61
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bailey Horn on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
62
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ricky Vanasco on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
63
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
64
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jake Miller on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
65
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dugan Darnell on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
66
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers catcher Josue Briceño on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
67
/82
Detroit Tigers top 14 prospects flush with left-handed hitters
Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
68
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
69
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
70
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers third base coach Joey Cora on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
71
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers first base coach Anthony Sanders on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
72
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers assistant hitting coach Cody Asche on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
73
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers catching coach Ryan Sienko on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
74
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
75
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
76
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers bullpen catcher coach Tim Remes on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
77
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers bullpen catcher coach Chris Chinea on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
78
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers assistant hitting coach Lance Zawadzki on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
79
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers assistant pitching coach Robin Lund on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
80
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers hitting coach Michael Brdar on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
81
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
82
/82
A different look at Detroit Tigers before 2026 season
Detroit Tigers quality control coach Billy Boyer on picture day during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
The Tigers have five starters locked in for their Opening Day rotation: Tarik Skubal , Framber Valdez , Jack Flaherty , Casey Mize and Justin Verlander , with Drew Anderson slated for the bullpen.
In Melton's absence, the Tigers should have Keider Montero and Ty Madden atop the Triple-A rotation.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"I just got to play as well as I can," Melton said Feb. 15, before the injury. "Their job is to put the best 26 guys on the field. It's my job to make sure I'm one of those 26. All I'm trying to do is get people out, make pitches and make their decision hard."
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Troy Melton injury update: Tigers pitcher unlikely for Opening Day
