As the Detroit Tigers head into the final stretch of the season, the team has found itself in the thick of a race that could determine whether they continue their rebuilding process or push for a playoff berth. While the Tigers have seen flashes of promise from their young talent and established stars, there’s one player whose return could make all the difference in whether Detroit can maintain its momentum and potentially make a late-season push.
That player is none other than Casey Mize, the Tigers’ former first overall draft pick and one of the most important members of their pitching staff. Mize, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023, has been rehabbing and working his way back to full strength. And now, as the season moves toward its final months, there’s growing optimism that Mize could soon return to the mound and give the Tigers a much-needed boost to their pitching staff.
A History of Promise and Struggles
Casey Mize has long been viewed as one of the Tigers’ top prospects, and when he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, there were sky-high expectations for his future. The right-hander had a fantastic career at Auburn University, showcasing an elite repertoire of pitches and exceptional command. His fastball, slider, and split-change were all regarded as plus pitches, and many analysts believed he could become the ace of Detroit’s staff for years to come.
Mize’s MLB debut in 2020 was met with high hopes. In his first season, he showed flashes of his potential, although the struggles of a young pitcher in his first full year were evident. Still, he posted respectable numbers and gained valuable experience as he transitioned into the big leagues. The following year, 2021, Mize seemed to be taking a step forward, establishing himself as a reliable arm in the rotation. His 2021 season ended with a solid 3.71 ERA, a testament to his growing maturity and ability to handle big-league hitters.
However, Mize’s promising rise was quickly interrupted by injuries. The 2022 season saw him battling elbow issues that would eventually sideline him for much of the year. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery, Mize remained a central figure in the Tigers’ rebuilding efforts, with the team hoping that he would return to his previous form as one of their top pitchers.
The Road to Recovery
Tommy John surgery is one of the most daunting procedures for pitchers, requiring a long and arduous recovery process. For Mize, the road to recovery has been filled with rehab stints, bullpen sessions, and building back the arm strength necessary for major league competition. While Tommy John surgery has a high success rate in terms of returning players to full health, it still presents challenges in terms of regaining command, velocity, and the ability to throw without pain.
Despite the setback, Mize has shown an impressive work ethic and determination during his rehab. Reports from the Tigers’ front office and coaching staff suggest that Mize’s recovery has been progressing well, and the right-hander has been building up his arm strength with each passing week. His ability to regain the velocity and movement on his pitches will be a critical factor in determining his success once he returns.
Mize has spent time working on his mechanics, ensuring that he doesn’t just return to full health physically but also continues to refine his delivery. With an arsenal that once featured a fastball touching the mid-90s and a devastating slider, there’s hope that he can return to the form that made him such a highly-touted prospect in the first place.
Why Mize’s Return Matters for the Tigers
The timing of Mize’s potential return could not be more crucial for the Detroit Tigers. As the team pushes to stay competitive in a division where they have seen both growth and struggles, adding Mize to the rotation could significantly bolster their pitching staff. The Tigers have shown they can compete at a high level, but their starting rotation has often been a source of inconsistency.
Currently, the Tigers’ rotation has some promising arms, including Tarik Skubal, Matt Manning, and Spencer Turnbull. However, the team has been without Mize for much of the past season and into this year, and his return would add an experienced and capable arm to a rotation that still has room for growth. His presence in the rotation would provide the Tigers with more depth and help prevent overworking the bullpen, which has been a major factor in the team’s inconsistent pitching performances.
If Mize returns to his pre-injury form, he could provide the Tigers with a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter. That would allow manager A.J. Hinch to shuffle the other pitchers into roles that better suit their strengths. For instance, Skubal, who has been excellent but has faced challenges in his own right, could benefit from the support of a more experienced rotation. Manning, who has been working his way back to form, would also benefit from Mize’s leadership and consistency on the mound.
In addition to providing a boost to the rotation, Mize’s return would help with leadership in the clubhouse. While the Tigers have a young and vibrant roster, having a veteran arm like Mize—who has been through the ups and downs of a major league career—could help guide some of the younger pitchers, including those who have struggled with consistency. His leadership could be invaluable in helping the team continue to grow while competing at a high level.
Managing Expectations: A Delicate Balance
While the return of Casey Mize is incredibly exciting for Tigers fans and the organization, it is important to manage expectations. Mize’s injury and surgery mean that there will likely be some growing pains as he adjusts back to major league competition. He may not immediately return to his previous All-Star potential, but the hope is that with each start, Mize will continue to build confidence and fine-tune his mechanics.
The Tigers will likely ease him back into the rotation, limiting his innings and pitch counts to avoid overloading his arm. Tommy John recovery can often result in a period of adjustments as pitchers reacquaint themselves with the demands of a full season. Mize may experience moments where his command is off or where he struggles to maintain velocity over the course of a game. But if the Tigers are patient and allow him to work through these issues, they could reap the rewards of his return in the long run.
The team’s medical and coaching staff will need to carefully monitor Mize’s progress, making sure that he stays healthy and gradually builds toward being an integral piece of the rotation once again. The Tigers’ front office will likely be cautious in his return, but if Mize can regain his form, he could be one of the most important factors in their playoff push.
Looking Toward the Future
Casey Mize’s return is not just about the immediate impact on the 2025 season; it’s about the long-term future of the Detroit Tigers. If Mize can regain his previous level of performance, he could become the cornerstone of a pitching staff that has the potential to be a dominant force in the American League. The Tigers’ rebuilding efforts have centered around developing young talent, and Mize, as one of the team’s top prospects, plays a critical role in that vision.
The Tigers are already seeing the benefits of their younger players, with hitters like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson showing promise. The pitching staff, which has been the most significant area of development in recent years, could take another step forward with Mize back in the fold. His presence would give the Tigers a solid foundation for years to come, helping them build a staff capable of competing with the best in the league.
As the team continues to grow and develop, Mize’s return could be the final piece that allows the Tigers to make a serious run at postseason contention. Whether or not they can contend this season, Mize’s eventual return to the mound is a sign that brighter days are ahead for the Detroit Tigers.