Tigers send down Brenan Hanifee to make room for Casey Mize

The Detroit Tigers activated pitcher Casey Mize off the injured list on Saturday, May 16, and optioned pitcher Brenan Hanifee to Triple-A Toledo to make room for Mize on the roster.

The move to activate Mize was expected, but it wasn't clear until soon before Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays who the Tigers would send down in his place. Hanifee ended up the odd man out.

Hanifee was the opener in Friday's 3-2 win over the Blue Jays, pitching one inning and allowing one earned run. Reliever Ty Madden came into the game in the second inning with many expecting him to take the bulk relief role, but he left in the third inning after taking a line drive to his right forearm.

Initial X-rays on Madden came back negative, but a potential injury could have made him a candidate to hit the IL, freeing up a spot for Mize. Instead, it appears the Tigers are keeping him active.

Mize is making his first start since April 28 on Saturday after hitting the injured list with a right adductor strain, potentially providing a boost to a depleted Tigers pitching staff. He has pitched to a 2.90 ERA over 31 innings so far in 2026.

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