Tigers' Troy Melton, Beau Brieske ready to start second spring training

Cincinnati — Troy Melton and Beau Brieske, two right-handed pitchers the Tigers are counting on to make an impact at some point this season are back to square one — meaning, after missing time with injuries, they are ready to restart spring training.

“They both threw bullpens,” manager AJ Hinch said. “Melton threw a live session (to hitters) and was hitting mid-90s with his fastball. What that means, basically, is now we have to recreate spring training for both of them.”

Tigers pitcher Troy Melton has missed the start of the season with an elbow issue.

Both are doing their work in Lakeland. Melton missed all of spring with right elbow inflammation. Brieske made a couple of outings in the spring before being shut down with a left adductor strain.

All-Star utility man Zach McKinstry (hip and abdominal inflammation), also in Lakeland, has accelerated his baseball activity.

“I got a great video of him hitting and running yesterday with little if any restriction,” Hinch said. “That’s a good start.”

Hinch said McKinstry, who could come off the injured list as early as Monday, will stay in Lakeland until he’s cleared for competition. It’s likely he will get a rehab start or two with Triple-A Toledo.