Casey Mize on track to start for the Tigers on Saturday

The biggest issue for the Tigers remains their bullpen. With Brant Hurter helping cover a rotation spot, it’s an extremely weak group. They really need a healthy Will Vest in there to stabilize things, and if Brieske can get it going as well, all the better. Adding Hurter back to the bullpen mix will only help matters even more. Troy Melton has about 10 days until he’s eligible to return, either to help the bulllpen even further, or to potentially take over Jack Flaherty’s rotation spot, moving the latter to the bullpen.

Just as important for an offense that has blown a tire over the past two weeks, second baseman Gleyber Torres, a crucial cog in the Tigers’ lineup, is also close to going out on a rehab assignment, perhaps as soon as this weekend. More likely, with the Mud Hens home next week, expect that assignment to start on Tuesday as the Mud Hens kick off a home series against Indianapolis.

The Tarik Skubal news is also very promising, as he’s already progressed to doing some light throwing only nine days after a nanoscope procedure to remove a bone chip described as being about the size of a lima bean from his left elbow. The nanoscope procedure is much less invasive that the usual arthroscopic procedure, doing much less damage to tissues during the operation, and the hope was always that this would speed his return. So far, so good.

And in the final bit of good injury news, LHP Andrew Sears began a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League and throwing two innings. Sears, along with fellow LHP Jake Miller, are the Tigers two most advanced starting pitcher prospects, but both have been sidelined since spring camp. Miller is still working his way back from double hip labrum repairs last fall, and his status is unknown. Miller was never transferred to the major league 60-day injured list to open a spot on the 40-man, so we expect some news on his status shortly. The duo offers some hope of further starting depth, and the ability to handle middle relief should one or both get it going by midseason.