Detroit – There could be another shuffle coming in the Tigers’ rotation.
They haven’t announced a starter for the series finale against the Athletics on Thursday. Right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long would be on turn to either start or pitch in a bulk relief role, just as he did in Tampa on Saturday.
“We will have an update as we get through this series,” was all manager AJ Hinch would say about it.
It is possible that Tigers want to push Gipson-Long to Friday, opening the series against the Twins. If so, one option to start Thursday would be veteran lefty Dietrich Enns.
The 34-year-old Enns, the Central Michigan grad who spent the previous four seasons pitching in Japan and Korea, has been rock solid at Triple-A Toledo, posting a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts, with 71 strikeouts and 15 walks in 62.1 innings.
The Tigers did not confirm any pending transaction, but selecting Enns’ contract from Toledo would force corresponding moves on the 40-man and active rosters.
And, by pushing Gipson-Long to Friday, Casey Mize would start Saturday, filling an open spot in the rotation created when Keider Montero was optioned last week. Tarik Skubal is tentatively slated to start the nationally-televised (ESPN) finale Sunday night.
“Rain could impact that,” Hinch said. “But I like Tarik in any game, at any point in the season and against anybody.”
What this shuffle also does is create a spot for injured right-hander Reese Olson to return.
Olson, who has been out since May 18 with inflammation in his right ring finger, is scheduled to make what could be his final rehab start with Toledo Wednesday.
“We need the weather to cooperate tomorrow, too,” Hinch said. “With Reese, it’s about endurance and pitching with freedom to where he doesn’t have anything else on his mind or no symptoms or other issues in going further in the game.”
In his last outing, Olson threw 58 pitches in 3.2 innings. He sprinkled in seven changeups, which is the pitch that initially caused the discomfort. He will have to show he can use his entire repertoire.
“Once we announce that he’s back in the rotation, teams are going to load up their left-handed hitters against him,” Hinch said. “He going to need to use his changeup 20 to 25 percent of the time. It’s important for the player to have confidence in it and be built up to handle it.”
His start Wednesday is essentially like the final start of spring training; it’s primary purpose is to build endurance.
“There’s always the dilemma on what we should do when a pitcher gets to that mid-game, 60-70 pitch count,” Hinch said. “Can he do it in the big leagues? On paper, it seems like if you can do it there, you can do it in the big leagues.
“And then you look up and three or four innings in, he’s out of the game if he didn’t get that extra endurance start.”
If things go well for Olson, the Tigers could slot him back into the rotation as early as next Tuesday against the Nationals. If it’s determined that Olson needs another rehab start, they can keep Enns and Gipson-Long in the rotation another time through.
Around the horn
Matt Vierling’s return hit a minor snag. He was ill and couldn’t play with the Mud Hens over the weekend. “He had a rough couple of days,” Hinch said. “He’s still feeling it a little bit but he’s slated to play tomorrow.” Vierling, who has missed all but four games with a rotator cuff strain, was supposed to play the field over the weekend and test the shoulder at game speed. He will have to do that early this week.
… Reliever Alex Lange (lat repair) was scheduled to make his third rehab appearance Tuesday, this one with Toledo. The first two were with High-A West Michigan. “The first couple, you’re just getting back on the field,” Hinch said. “Now the next couple you want to dial it up and sharpen up your stuff. The best way to do that is to change locations and move up to a higher level of competition.” Hinch said he expects Lange to make “a few” outings with Toledo.
… Right-hander Alex Cobb (hip) has reset his rehab assignment. His first one, which would have ended this week, was halted when he needed to get injections in his left hip. He’d been on the injured list since the start of spring training with right hip inflammation. He threw a bullpen session before the game Tuesday.
Athletics at Tigers
First pitch: 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Comerica Park
TV/Radio: FanDuel Sports/97.1 FM
SCOUTING REPORT
LHP Jacob Lopez (1-4, 4.25), Athletics: A recent add to the rotation, the former 26th-round pick out of College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita, Calif.), he’s posted back-to-back quality starts, allowing a run in 12 innings with 18 strikeouts. He’s 6-4 with a 7-foot-1 inch extension, which makes his 92-mph four-seamer play up (31% whiff rate). He has a slow slider in his bag and right-handed hitters will see his cutter and changeup. Overall, he has a 30% whiff rate and 29.7% strikeout rate.
RHP Jack Flaherty (5-8, 4.83), Tigers: He’s coming off his worst start (eight runs, 2.1 innings) since May 4, 2023. He’s allowed 15 runs in his last two starts, covering just seven innings. He’s stuck to a three-pitch arsenal (four-seam, knuckle-curve, slider) most of the season and the Rays hit all three last time out (99 mph average exit velocity on 10 balls in play). The knuckle-curve remains elite (.174 average, 47% whiff), but he’s not getting to it in favorable counts often enough and opponents are feasting on his heater (.511 slug).
@cmccosky